SUGGESTED AFTER-CARE PROCEDURES FOR TATTOOS

1. Remove bandage after 1 hour. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE.
2. Wash tattoo gently with soap and warm water to remove all medication, excess color, dry blood, etc.
3. Dry tattoo by blotting with soft, clean dry towel.
4. Use only recommended ointment (Tattoo Goo or Neosporin). DO NOT USE VASELINE.
5. A slight protective scab will form in about 2 days. DO NOT scratch or pick at tattoo. DO NOT expose tattoo to direct sunlight.
6. Healing will be complete in 10 - 14 days.
7. DO NOT soak in bath and NO swimming.
8. Proper care during healing will preserve detail and color.
9. If you have any questions, call your artist. DO NOT rely on information from your friends.

SUGGESTED AFTER-CARE PROCEDURES 
FOR ORAL PIERCINGS
HEALING TIMES (ALL HEALING TIMES ARE ESTIMATES)

TONGUE  4-6 weeks
LABRET  6-8 weeks
LIP    6-8 weeks

Oral Rinse
Rinse your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds with a medical-grade oral rinse (such as Tech 2000 or Biotene) after every meal during the initial healing period (3-6 weeks). If a medical grade oral rinse is not available, you may dilute 4 ounces of an oral antiseptic with 4 ounces of water. This will de-intensify the antiseptic and prevent it from irritating your piercing (note: do not use plain mouthwash because it will do nothing for your piercing -- only mask your halitosis). Be careful not to overclean your piercing, as this will prevent proper healing. Signs of overcleaning include a very white or yellow-looking tongue.

Sea Salt Rinse
In addition to the oral rinse after every meal, sea salt soaks will also help heal your piercing. First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 8 ounces of very warm water and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved. Then, rinse your mouth for approximately 15 seconds. Sea salt rinses should be performed after smoking or drinking anything other than bottled water. Note: Our customers have had much success by using sea salt rinses instead of medical grade rinses.

Ice
Ice and other cold liquids can help reduce swelling. Ice pops, ice cream, and frozen yogurt are also good ways to reduce swelling, but be sure to perform either a sea salt or oral rinse following your snack (this is not necessary if you just use plain ice). Swelling tends to last 3-5 days.

Ibuprofen
For those who are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motril IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain

Brushing your teeth 
It is important to brush your teeth three times daily while your piercing is healing. Brushing your teeth will cut down on the amount of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. It is suggested that you purchase a new, soft-bristle toothbrush to use during the initial healing period. Also, plaque (a white, crusty shell) will begin to build up on your tongue jewelry if you do not gently brush the balls and post. You should brush your jewelry daily if you want to prevent plaque buildup.

SUGGESTED AFTER-CARE PROCEDURES 
FOR NON-ORAL PIERCINGS
HEALING TIMES (ALL HEALING TIMES ARE ESTIMATES)
NAVEL    6 months-1 year
NIPPLE    2-6 months
GENITALS  4 weeks (female) - 6 months (male)
NOSTRIL    2 months-1 year
EARLOBE    6-8 weeks

Antibacterial Soap
The optimal way to care for your piercing is to clean it twice daily (if you are physically active, try to schedule your cleanings after you exercise). The easiest and most comfortable way to clean your piercing is either during or immediately a hot shower. The hot water and steam will help soften your skin and loosen the crust at the base of your jewelry (making the crust easier to remove). While in the shower, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap -- preferably a medical grade soap such as Provon or Satin (beware: Antibacterial soaps containing fragrances can irritate your piercing or cause allergic reactions). Next, gently remove the crust from your jewelry with a disposable one-use product, such as a tissue, cotton ball, swab, or square. Do not use a hand towel because bacteria can lie dormant in the cloth. Then, place some antibacterial soap in your hands and rub them together as to create a nice lather. Gently wipe the jewelry and your piercing with the tips of your fingers, being careful not to scratch or irritate the area. Once the jewelry and piercing are lathered with soap, spin the jewelry so the ball rests on the opposite hole. If your jewelry is not a captive bead ring or circular barbell, try your best to perform the above process without overworking and irritating the area.

Sea Salt Soaks
After completing the above process, you can perform your sea salt soaks either in or out of the shower. First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 8 ounces of very warm water and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved. When ready, either place the cup over the piercing, forming a vacuum-type seal or dip the piercing into the cup. If either of these techniques are not possible, pre-soak a fresh tissue, cotton-ball, swab, or square in the sea salt solution and firmly press it on your piercing. In order to promote effectiveness, the first sea salt soak should last at least 10 minutes. All additional soaks should last at least 5-10 minutes. Following the sea salt soak, pat your piercing and jewelry dry with a fresh disposable paper or cotton product.

Ibuprofen
For those who are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motril IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain

DO NOT!

• DO NOT touch your piercing with unwashed hands.

• DO NOT play with it.

• DO NOT over clean it.

• DO NOT allow it to come in contact with hair, cosmetics, oils, bodily fluids, etc.

• DO NOT go into a pool, hot tub or any body of water until it is healed (except for your own clean bathtub).

• DO NOT use alcohol, peroxide, neosporin, tea tree oil, hibicleanse, betedine, iodine, etc.

DO!

• Take zinc supplements and eat a healthy diet to speed healing.

• Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses of water is a good way to keep your body hydrated)

• Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. This will help your body heal as best as possible.

Please be sure to speak to a piercer if you have any questions or problems, so you can get appropriate answers. Call Sudden Rush Tattoo and Body Piercing at 808-677-6256