Specific 3D Belly Button Restoration Tattoo
In addition to the general aftercare instructions, please follow these specific areola and breast scar camouflage instructions.
Remember, place nothing on the treated area except your aftercare product until it is healed. This includes no makeup, creams, water (except for cleansing as detailed below), etc.
After your procedure, your skin will start forming a protective scab. You may see fluid or ooze on the skin from lymph secretion. The fluid should be dabbed and blotted off with a sterile gauze pad. It can crust the skin over and prevent it from breathing and healing.
After 24 hours, clean the treated area daily with mild warm water and non-alcohol soap. Apply soapy solution on a sterile gauze and blot 4 to 5 times to clean. Then, blot completely dry. Use patting motions only. No Scrubbing. No rubbing. No wiping. No scratching. Make sure the area is completely dry because germs love moisture!
Shower with your back to the water to avoid getting water, shampoo, or conditioner on the area. Gently pat the area dry after showering.
Apply aftercare product on the clean and dry treated area. Place the ointment on the scabs that are beginning to form. You should apply 2 to 4 times daily until completely healed. If you place the product on the area and it is not dry, this may cause irritation or an infection. It could also lead to color loss.
Please apply the aftercare product gingerly and don’t cake it on. However, try to cover the protective scabs completely. Try to put it directly on the scabs. The skin must be able to breathe to heal. Too much product may actually fade the pigment. It is specifically meant to put on the scabs and to keep them soft so they stay on longer. Pat, and do not rub, the ointment on the area with a with a Q-tip. If you put too much on, then blot off with a sterile gauze.
To avoid irritation from bras or under garments, wear a nonstick pad until the area is completely healed. Sports bras or a regular bra will help hold the bandages in place. Paper tape can be used to hold the nonstick pad in place as well.
Remove the pad and reapply thin layer of aftercare product 2-4 times a day. You can replace the same pad as long as it is not soaked through.
Change bandages at least in the morning and evening. Once there is no bleeding or discharge from the tattoo, you can leave it uncovered for a few hours in the evening.
Do not wear the pads 24 hours a day. You must let the tattoo air out at some point during each day for several hours. If your scabs become hard and rope-like, they can fall off in big chunks and take the ink with them. Soft scabs that flake off on their own is the key to successful ink retention. Do not try to rush the scab-flaking process..
You can stop using the aftercare product when you have no more scabs. This usually lasts 7 to 10 days, but sometimes last as long as 14 days. Because individuals heal differently, the scab-flaking process can range in duration.
What to Expect:
Day 1 - The pigment will appear bolder and darker than when healed. Expect light to moderate swelling and redness. The skin’s redness causes the color of the pigment to appear darker.
Day 2 - Conditions remain the same.
Day 3 - Treated area will start to itch and will appear a bit thicker in texture. Exfoliation begins.
Day 4 - The skin begins to flake, peeling from the outside edges first.
Day 5 - Color finishes flaking off and appears softer and grayer for a few days until color clarifies.
Day 6 - The color has lightened from its initial overly-dark appearance. For the next few days, the color may now be lighter than what the final color will be.
Day 10 - The final color begins to stabilize and show through. The color will continue to soften as the healing process completes.
The information contained in this document is not intended to offer or imply medical advice. Please consult your physician regarding any medical questions.