KELLY MCLEAN
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AFTERCARE


Your cosmetic tattoo will appear more dark, bold, and defined when they are first done. They will soften & fade in boldness and "shrink" a bit in size. Patience is key!

Fading will happen to each procedure and we do not have control over your body's healing process or skin's ability to hold pigment. You may still need to pencil in your brows after you're healed. You must do your part on all things listed below to ensure the most optimal results. To preserve the skin, annual touch ups will not be done any sooner than 1 year from your last procedure. Each time a procedure is done, the skin is altered, causing retention to be less and less each time the procedure is done. It is important to me to maintain the integrity of your skin as best as possible.


AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE:

2 hours after the procedure, clean the ointment off the treated area with water and a damp cotton ball/q-tip. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Blot throughout the rest of the day with a clean paper towel/q-tip to absorb any lymph fluid. This prevents larger flakes from forming later on, which ultimately makes healing easier and more pleasant.

Starting the night of the procedure, wash the treated area gently in circular motions with a fragrance free, gentle soap or cleanser and pat dry.
​
For lash enhancement, use a q-tip and gently run between your lashes. Be sure to rinse all soap off. 
I recommend Dove, Dial, or Cetaphil.
You will do this morning and night for the next 3 days.
*LIP TINT:  Wipe off ointment and reapply fresh layer every hour for the first day.
​Starting the first night, you will clean lips morning and night with gentle, fragrance free soap for 3 days.

For the first five days:
Avoid touching lips with food and drinks. Use a straw to drink and a fork to place food into your mouth.
​Do not bite directly into food.
Avoid spicy foods and alcohol.

No kissing.
Keep moist with ointment provided at all times, for at least 28 days.

DARK LIP NEUTRALIZATION will have a more intense healing cycle compared to lip tints.
It will take 6-8 weeks for the final color to settle, and you will likely go through a dark and/or uneven phase of healing.
Please keep this in mind


​​For 14 days following the procedure:
​-No swimming, sun, or tanning.
​- No makeup on the treated area.
​- Avoid exercise and sweating.
​- Avoid sleeping on the face.
​- Avoid direct showering on the face and do all washing in the sink. Always pat dry after showering.

- Avoid alcohol and drink a lot of water for the first 5 days following.
​Let scabbing/flaking naturally fall off. Picking can cause scarring and pigment loss.



WHAT TO EXPECT
(please note that this timeline is estimated) 


DAY 1-2: IT IS DARK!
Your tattoo is darker, bolder, and more solid than your healed result will be.
There may be minimal swelling and redness.

Day 3-5: IT IS SUPER ITCHY AND DRY!
Your tattoo may begin to itch and the pigment may appear raised.
The tattoo will start to flake and get dry. DO NOT TOUCH.

Day 7-10: IT IS FLAKING AND FALLING OFF!
Your tattoo will be dry for a few days. Wait it out and let flaking naturally fall off. DO NOT PICK!

Day 10-14: IT'S GONE!
Once all the dead skin has fallen off, the tattoo may seem light, faded, patchy, and as if you've lost a lot of color. 
This is normal. 

Day 14-28: IT'S COMING BACK!
The tattoo will slowly take on more color during this time period. PATIENCE IS KEY!
You must give it the full 6 week duration to heal to see the final color outcome.
At this point you may wear a lightweight makeup (something easy to wipe off) before your second session.
Feel free to gently wash the area after this point. Fragrance free gentle soap is still recommended.


COMPLETE HEALING TIME IS 6 WEEKS

Please keep in mind that this is a two step process and is not complete without your follow up session.
Any fine adjustments will be made at your second appointment.



LONG-TERM CARE

- You may use a good sunscreen on your healed tattoo
​- The use of Retin-A, Tretinoin, retinols, AHAs, Benzoyl Peroxide, or any other rapid skin exfoliant used regularly on the tattooed area may cause your permanent makeup to prematurely fade and could result in change of color. Chemical/acid peels, and exfoliating face washes can also do this.
- Sun and UV rays will prematurely fade your tattoo, and could result in change of color.
- Smoking, excessive alcohol/drug use may cause premature fading.
- If your skin is oily, please understand that you will have softer results and may require additional procedures.

- The better condition your skin is in, the better the final result of your cosmetic tattoo will be.
- Color Refresh sessions are recommended for maintenance. Without touch ups, your tattoo will fade with time. Fading varies per person.
If your cosmetic tattoo is holding up well, I encourage you to wear it as long as possible before coming back in for another session.

PORTRAIT - COSMETIC TATTOO - DRAWINGS

  • COSMETIC TATTOO
    • Services
    • Aftercare
    • before you book
    • FAQs
    • NEW JERSEY
  • Portrait Tattoo
  • Portrait Drawings
  • Contact