Do not deviate from them without first contacting us. You will receive a copy after your procedure, but we have made it available online for your convenience.

The after care links above will provide information on the proper aftercare for your newly applied tattoo, body piercing, permanent cosmetics or tattoo removal.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Your permanent cosmetics have been covered with a protective ointment. The purpose of this is to allow your body to absorb the pigment applied, to lessen the discharge of blood and plasma, and to provide protection of your newly tattooed skin. Because there is not a bandage on the newly tattooed area, you will need to ‘blot’ it as necessary.

We recommend that you wash the area with soap and water in approximately two hours, then reapply a ‘thin coating’ of the petrolatum that we give you.

It is imperative that you do not let the procedure area dry out as this will create excessive scabbing resulting in the loss of color and shading.

In the morning, you will need to wash the tattooed area with warm soapy water, using only your fingertips. You will want to wash away all of the protective ointment, and all of the blood/plasma on the surface of your skin. Make sure to rinse and pat dry thoroughly.

Once dry, check to make sure that there are not any 'shiny areas' on your skin. If there are make sure to re-wash to remove this build up of dried plasma. Taking the time to do this after washing will prevent the formation of a scab. Avoid direct shower spray on during the healing process. The area should be cleansed 2-3 times daily until healed. (Average healing time is 7-10 days)

Curél Lotion (Original or Unscented), Tattoo Goo Lotion and Bag Balm appear to be the best products available for aftercare use. The lotions should be applied with clean hands 5-6 times a day, especially after each washing.

Do not let the area dry out, and do not over apply the Lotion. We have found that because Curél Lotion and Tattoo Goo Lotion are glycerin based and Bag Balm is lanolin based, they allow the tattooed area to “breathe” and heal much faster than other lotions or ointments.

Any mineral oil based product clogs the skin's pores and does not allow the skin to “breathe” effectively. If you chose to use Bag Balm, it should be rubbed into the skin, and then after a few minutes it should all be wiped off (using a damp towel works best). Bag Balm seems to require less applications per day, but should be checked throughout the day for dryness. Should you experience any problems using these products, please contact us.

Do Not use antibiotic ointments or take oral antibiotics unless your physician has prescribed them. You do not prevent infection with an antibiotic, you prevent infection by keeping your skin clean! These ointments are ALL mineral oil based and keep oxygen, a natural healing agent, from reaching the skin's surface. Additionally, many people have allergic reactions to antibiotics.

Long-term exposure to Sunlight and Artificial UV Rays will DESTROY your permanent cosmetics!!!

To keep your colors vibrant long-term after the area is healed it is best to keep it out of the sun. At the very least, apply a sun block with a minimum sun protection factor of “SPF 15” ½ hour before exposure and several times throughout the day.

Your permanent cosmetics were applied professionally with sterile equipment, and if you will conscientiously attend to the aftercare, problems with healing will be minimized.

Here are some things to avoid during the first two (2) weeks:

• DO NOT… expose to sunlight and/or ultraviolet (UV) rays
  (See statement above for more information regarding future sunlight and/or ultraviolet exposure)
• DO NOT… soak in water (i.e.: Hot Tub, Bathtub, Pools, Sauna, etc.)
• DO NOT… expose to excessive wind (Avoid 'Wind Burn')
• DO NOT… apply makeup, tweeze or shave over the tattooed area until it is fully healed
• DO NOT… pick or scratch at any scaling or peeling that may occur (This will result in the loss of color and shading)

During the healing process eat a nutritious diet and take a vitamin/mineral supplement. This is very important; it will help your body to heal itself more quickly. Never touch your tattoo with dirty hands!

After the area is healed you will experience some loss of color intensity. This is normal and will vary depending on the aftercare it receives as well as your skin color. Remember… the tattooing is under the top layer of skin.

It is normal to lose approximately 30% of the ‘darkness’ that was originally applied. A percentage of the color is in the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and will slough off within the week following the treatment. This is what helps to create the ‘natural’ appearance of permanent cosmetics.

Please understand that should any adjustments be necessary after the first 90 days they will be done at your own expense.

Most problems with healing are caused by:

• Not cleansing properly (Wash & rinse well! Avoid Direct Shower Spray)
• Using lotions or ointments that we have not recommended
• Applying improper amounts of lotion (Keep it 'moisturized', not dry and not greasy)
• Exposure to sunlight, UV rays and /or wind
• Soaking in a hot tub, swimming pool, bathtub or sauna

Applying cosmetics too close to the tattooed area (Do not apply directly to the tattooed area until fully healed. Make sure to use ‘new’ cosmetics as the ‘old’ ones harbor bacteria).

If you follow the above guidelines the tattooed area will heal somewhat like a sunburn, with the top layer of skin peeling off after approximately 3-4 days.

For any procedures applied to the lip area:

The used of anti-viral medications is necessary with these procedures if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex). It is recommended to start this medication prior to your procedure, and to continue per your doctor’s directs. You must re-medicate yourself prior to and following any touch-up procedures as well.

It you received color we recommend keeping a damp washcloth by your bedside as the skin can sometimes ‘stick’ together. If this occurs, simply wet the area with the damp washcloth.

For eyeliner procedures:

• It is normal for your eyes to feel ‘scratchy’ or ‘dry’ following your procedure. This can be relived by applying Refresh Celluvisc Lubricant Eye Drops.
• It you received upper and lower eyeliner we recommend keeping a damp washcloth by your bedside as the skin can sometimes ‘stick’ together. If this occurs, simply wet the area with the damp washcloth.
• Do not wear contact lenses for at least 24 hours.
• Do not apply eye shadow or mascara for one week following your procedure. When resuming makeup application always use a new container of product.

For two weeks following the procedure, do not pursue any other cosmetic procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: Restylane, Botox, Collagen, TCA (trichloro acetic acid) Peels, Micro-Dermabrasion, Glycolic Acid Peels or any other procedure which might alter the procedure area.

If you experience any problems during the healing and you wish to consult with a physician please contact us first. We feel we can best handle any initial inquires you might have. However, please understand that we are not physicians; rather we will offer suggestions based upon our many years of experience in healing permanent cosmetics.

Thank You! Enjoy Your Permanent Cosmetics!

(Revised 6/2007) *A Division of Yates Enterprises, Inc.©2007