Dermatologist’s Tips: Before And Aftercare Of Tattoos

Is one thinking of getting a tattoo? Tattoos hold a significant meaning for the individual who prefers to have them. It can be a piece of art for someone, a fashion statement for another other or a way to express one's opinion or love to the world. It can have infinite meanings depending on the person. 

Irrespective of what their inspiration is, one has to be mindful of the fact that tattoos are for life. So, one must be well-informed about its process, the before-after and the care one needs to aid themselves. In the post below, skin specialists in Bangalore emphasize what one should do before and after getting a tattoo. 

Dermatologist Tips to remember before getting a tattoo

Getting inked can be a big decision for many, and it is a moment of mixed excitement and nervousness for the one getting ink on their body. Keeping aside the jitters, one should keep some caution in mind before deciding to get something permanently drawn on their body. The best dermatologist in Bangalore has some tips to share before one chooses to get permanence on their body.

Research 

One should always go to a legit place, meaning it should have a proper license. The tattoo parlour should stress cleanliness and the maintenance of hygiene. One should see if their equipment is squeaky clean with sterilisation and if the tattoo artist is professional regarding hygiene and equipment care. 

One should run a background check on the tattoo artist. One can gain reviews through word of mouth or the power of the internet. One should know the costs and not opt for something cheap to save some extra pennies.

Risk of cancer, Skin type, and Allergies

Skin specialist in Bangalore doesn't recommend getting a tattoo over one's moles or birthmark. It is a precaution to be mindful of, as any body part can become cancerous. Dermatologists need to check on the appearance of the moles or the birthmark to determine if it is cancerous. When the ink is present on the potentially cancerous spot, it gets tricky for the examiner to clarify the changing appearance or the need for a biopsy.

For people who scar easily, getting a tattoo is not an option. When sensitive skin goes under the needle, the prospects of getting a keloid are incredibly high. The whole area of the tattoo would turn to a keloid for someone who scars easily, which is why getting a tattoo is not the best option for people with susceptible skin. 

One should also be aware of their allergies as people are especially prone to red ink and dyes. If one persists in using red, one should ensure the ink formulation is done in a laboratory rather than in a backhanded or cheap place.

Prior care 

One must avoid caffeine and alcohol for about two days before their tattoo appointment. Caffeine and alcohol have anticoagulant effects and can cause blood thinning. The act of anticoagulant property will have one bleeding more, and it also will not assist in the proper healing of the tattoo. 

One should snack on nutritious food and keep one's body hydrated. Doses of vitamin c aid in faster healing. Avoid binging on dairy products, sweet foods and processed meals. Being mindful about what one eats will pace the body's healing process.  

One should rest the night before their appointment because tattooing is not pain-free. It is in the person's best interest to have a healthy sleep routine a week before and after the tattoo appointment for the speedy healing of the ink. 

Dermatologist Tips to keep in mind after getting a tattoo

Post-tattoo care is crucial for maintaining the tattoo. One must be informed about the necessary aftercare by the professional who inks the tattoo on them. Below is a list of tips dermatologists agree with the tattoo artists on:

Immediate post-tattoo care

Immediate post-tattoo care will be obliged by the professional who has inked your body. Before one leaves the tattoo parlour, the tattoo artist will apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the tattoo. They will wrap or dress the tattoo after using the antibiotic gel, which is a must to stay on for about 24 hours.

The covering defends the skin against infectious bacteria and irritation from clothing, bedding and other possible irritants in one's surroundings. Depending on the skin tone, one can notice swelling or redness on the inked spot. After one removes the wrap, keeping the area clean and well moisturised is imperative to aid the healing process. 

One must very gently clean the inked area with antibacterial soap and water after one removes their tattoo cover-up. The cleanup must be gentle, and scrubbing the area with abrasive material is a big no-no. Moisturise the area with a water-based moisturiser to prevent scabbing and dryness. Oil-based moisturisers can cause the ink to fade. 

Protection from the sun

Exposure to the sun can cause a freshly inked tattoo to fade, especially in its healing stages. One must keep their tattoo out of the sun's sight for at least the first four weeks after getting it. Due to the sun's ultraviolet rays, the tattoo ink can fade because the UV light can break the pigment in the tattoo. Applying a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is a must. One should smear the sunscreen 15 minutes earlier before going out and reapply it every two hours. 

Future touch-ups at the tattoo parlour

One will need recurrent touch-ups in the future; it can take months for the tattoo to heal completely. Moreover, the part of one's tattoo that remains exposed regularly will need some touching up to maintain the consistency of the tattoo and its work in its best condition.

In case of skin reaction, one should visit a dermatologist. If one's tattooed skin changes in some way or the skin have an adverse reaction to the ink, one should immediately see a skin doctor in Bangalore regarding the issue. 

Wrap-Up

As is evident from the points mentioned, getting tattooed requires significant commitment and aftercare. To flaunt the artwork on their body, they must carry out their homework to ensure their preparation for what's to come. The post has rounded up on all the concerns and pointers that the dermatologist of Bangalore considers vital for one to take caution of before getting ink on their body. 

Apart from the tips mentioned above, if one ever regrets getting that tattoo of their ex's name or does not wish to have it anymore, Lejeune Medspa is the saviour in need. Their dermatologists use tattoo removal lasers to erase the print of one's mistakes.