Sterilization Procedure and Aftercare
Brooklyn Tattoo© is committed to following the highest health standards in the industry.
The cornerstone of our guidelines is the same as any doctor, dentist, or blood bank. This is called “universal precaution.” Each of our artists has completed courses on sterilization and cross-contamination procedures, and we are just as concerned with your well-being as
we are with our own.
Safety is ensured by use of a method called “single service.” This means that every item that comes in contact with a customer must be properly disposed of or sterilized. It also means that nothing is used twice – from needles to ink caps, cups to razors – nothing is reused. 90% of everything we use in the process is disposable. Every set of needles used to apply your tattoo is brand new. They are individually packaged, sealed, and sterilized in an autoclave. We open them in the presence of each customer. After use, the needles are disposed of. Our tubes and grips (which hold the needles in place) are prepackaged, disposable, and used once and thrown away.
Above all, we care for our customers. In protecting our customers we also protect ourselves; remember we are at a higher risk because of the number of people we work on daily, so safety is for our benefit as well. Making you feel safe and comfortable are of top priority to us.
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Leave your bandage on for at least four hours — overnight if you received the tattoo late in the evening, (before your bedtime).
Handwash it using warm water & soap — do not use cloths or sponges. Soak the bandage while removing it, and wash it with antibacterial soap and water.
Do not rebandage the tattoo. Wash tattoo at least twice a day while it is healing.
Apply light coats of Neosporin, or Bacitracin for the first 3 – 5 days, then switch to a moisturizing lotion (such as Lubriderm). Lotions are safest to use in warm weather, (Be careful with lotions containing excessive alcohol). Keeping the tattoo moist will speed the healing process. But, your tattoo also needs to breathe. Heavy application of petroleum-based ointments can suffocate the tattoo and cause a rash. You can wet your tattoo, but don’t soak it in the tub or shower for a long time while it is healing.
Try to wear loose clothing around your tattoo.
It is normal for your tattoo to flake off tiny pieces of colored skin while it is healing. But, you don’t want to force it. Do not rub or scratch or pick your tattoo!
You can smack the tattoo if it itches too much.
Do not expose your tattoo to chlorine, salt, alcohol or sun for 10 days. Tattoos normally take 30 days to heal.
These are a good general rules of thumb, but you ever have a question or problem with your tattoo, you should call your tattoo artist immediately. They’ll be able to give you further instructions for proper care.