Aftercare

Healing Your Work

What you do after the session matters as much as the session itself.

This is general studio aftercare guidance, not medical advice. Always follow the direct instructions given during your appointment and contact the studio with questions. If something feels off, reach out to the studio rather than guessing.

Tattoo Aftercare with Tegaderm

Illustrated Alex uses Tegaderm-style transparent film dressing on freshly finished tattoos whenever appropriate. This breathable protective film helps protect the tattoo during the early healing stage while reducing friction from clothing and daily movement.

01
Leave the Tegaderm on
Leave the Tegaderm bandage on for the amount of time Alex recommends for your tattoo. For many tattoos, this may be several days, but timing can vary based on the size, placement, skin, and how much fluid collects under the bandage.
02
Fluid under the bandage is normal
It is normal to see ink, plasma, or fluid collect under the film. This can look dark, blurry, or wet. Do not panic and do not poke holes in the bandage.
03
Remove early if needed
Remove the bandage early if it leaks, peels open, exposes the tattoo, causes a rash, burns, severe irritation, or feels wrong. Once the seal is broken, the bandage should not be left on.
04
How to remove
Wash your hands first. Remove the film slowly, ideally in a warm shower. Stretch the film gently back over itself instead of ripping it straight away from the skin.
05
Wash the tattoo
Wash gently with clean hands and mild fragrance-free soap. Rinse well. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry.
06
After the bandage is off
Apply a very thin layer of approved tattoo aftercare or fragrance-free lotion as needed. Do not over-moisturize.
07
Avoid while healing
Avoid soaking, swimming, hot tubs, sun exposure, tanning, scratching, picking, dirty environments, and tight abrasive clothing until healed.
08
When to contact the studio
Contact the studio if you are unsure about the bandage, healing, irritation, leaking, or aftercare timing.

If you notice spreading redness, unusual swelling, heat, pus, fever, severe pain, or symptoms that concern you, contact a medical professional.

Piercing Aftercare

Choose your piercing type below for focused aftercare notes. Most piercings heal best with simple care: clean hands, sterile saline wound wash, patience, and avoiding unnecessary touching or twisting.

Choose your piercing

Ear Lobe

Healing notes: Often several months for full healing.
Cleaning instructions: Spray front and back with sterile saline. Dry gently.
What to avoid: Do not twist jewelry. Avoid sleeping directly on it, headphones that press on it, and dirty hair/products.
When to contact the studio: Downsizing may be recommended if initial jewelry feels long after swelling goes down.

Need piercing aftercare?

Sterile saline wound wash and aftercare products are available through the shop.

SHOP PIERCING AFTERCARE

Questions during healing?

Early attention prevents most healing issues. Don’t wait — reach out if anything looks or feels unusual.

CONTACT THE STUDIO