After the tattoo is finished wait about (2) two hours then gently wash your tattooed area with an antibacterial soap such as Dial. Rinse thoroughly, not scratching or pulling on the tattoo, then use a clean paper towel and pat until dry. Do not use a cotton towel because it maybe to abrasive. After a quick wash apply a small amount of quality, fragrance-free moisturizer to tattooed area, preferably Curel. Make sure to wash, rinse and dry at least twice a day and apply moisturizer afterward. Continue using lotion as needed for up to (2) weeks.

Anything that would dry the skin out such as peroxide, or alcohol to clean it with, also avoid swimming pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, and soaking of any kind while healing is in process. Any cosmetics such as scented lotion or make-up should not be used around the tattoo. Do not apply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointments on the tattoo, these prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and will form a sticky residue, which can cause complications. Try not to over clean; this may prolong the healing process also.

Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling are common. After a few days skin may start to flake off. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. When itching occurs this indicates that it is healing.

First wash hands before touching the piercing. Do not remove jewelry form piercing. Clean with antibacterial soap (such as Dial), found at the local drug store, 3 to 4 times a day. Clean jewelry and skin around the hole with a cotton ball or q-tip (apply Dial soap to the cotton ball or q-tip, dilute with water ) move jewelry up and down to insure that all bacteria and scabs are washed away. Another cleaning solution is to dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt to one cup warm to hot distilled or bottled water. Try to avoid hot water for the first few days. * If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, you will need to eliminate the sea salt, and use only plain warm water rinses. This works just as well. MAKE SURE TO RINSE ALL CLEANING SOLUTIONS OUT OF PIERCING!!!

Anything that would dry the skin out such as peroxide, or alcohol to clean it with, also avoid swimming pools, ponds, lakes, and rivers while healing is in process. Any cosmetics such as scented lotion or make-up should not be used around the piercing. Do not apply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointments on your piercing these prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and will form a sticky residue, which can cause complications. When cleaning your piercing do not use a cotton cloth because it is too abrasive. Try not to sleep on the piercing. Do not over clean, this may prolong the healing process also.

Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling is common. If there is any secretions of fluid from the piercing do not panic, this is blood plasma and it is perfectly normal. This is generally a whitish- yellow color and forms a crust on the jewelry at the opening ends of the piercing, this is not pus. Just rinse it off with a q-tip and Bactine or antibacterial soap. This indicates that it is healing.

Rinse mouth with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash such as Listerine found at the local drug store. Also mild sea salt water rinses work just as well. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt to one cup warm to hot distilled or bottled water. Try to avoid hot water for the first few days. * If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, you will need to eliminate the sea salt, and use only plain warm water rinses or your Listerine.

Rinse mouth for 20-30 seconds with solution after eating, drinking anything but water, and smoking. Do not remove jewelry form piercing. No oral sexual content including wet kissing or oral sex during the initial healing period. Avoid chewing gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, etc. during healing. Refrain from eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods and beverages for a few days. Only eat foods that you’re comfortable with. Also do not drink beer, beer contains yeast and this can cause infections. Hard liquor is fine. Do not use more than 4-5 times daily and make sure to use it over intervals spaced through out the day. Try to focus on keeping your tongue still and not moving it as much while it is healing. This prolongs healing.

Swelling of the area is perfectly normal during the first 2-3 days of healing in an oral piercing. This can be greatly reduced by chewing (not sucking) on clean ice. The majority of swelling lasts for only 3-5 days. Any new piercing can bleed off and on for a few days. Do not be alarmed of you see fairly liquid, yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is blood plasma (dead cells) that is perfectly normal. This is not pus, but indicates a healing piercing.