If you do nothing else, please consider the following things as non-negotiables for the healing of your new tattoo:
- Do not allow the area to get wet in shower or bath — 2 weeks. Cover with plastic wrap or saniderm.
- Do not swim — 3+ weeks, which we consider the healing window
- Don’t pick! No matter how tempting, other than the natural healing process where some scabbing and flaking may take place, DO NOT scratch, peal, touch, or pick at the area — 3+ weeks until fully healed.
Obviously our healing process will be unique to your body, but one thing is the same across all bodies: no matter how tough you think you are, your body is likely perceiving this as a wound / traumatic infliction. This is why it matters how you go into and how you leave your appointment, as well as how you tend to yourself afterwards.
The good news about tiny tats is that because they are smaller, the “open wound” is smaller and less susceptible to infection vs. a large tattoo. That doesn’t mean to ignore it — but it does mean you’re probably going to do great with the process.
If your artist covered the area with a saniderm clear wrap, you can keep it on for a few hours to 2-3 days. Remove the wrap as soon as you notice fluid building. After removing, wash and once dry, either apply new saniderm or follow the steps above.