Scroll Top
Rising Dawn Cosmetic Tattoo
Schedule Appointment

Cosmetic Tattoo Before & Aftercare

Learn how to properly care for your paramedical tattoo before and after treatment.

Get Started Today!
wave-01 (Demo)
wave-02 (Demo)

Cosmetic and Paramedical Tattoo Health & Safety

Proper preparation and aftercare are essential for achieving the best results with cosmetic tattooing. This guide provides important steps to follow before and after an appointment, helping ensure a safe, comfortable experience and long-lasting, beautiful results.

Please read everything below in full to ensure your safety before and after your procedure. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Contraindications
Preparation
Aftercare

Cosmetic Tattoo Contraindications

(Conditions or Factors That Make It Unadvisable or Unsafe to Proceed; Carefully read this list! If ANY of these apply to you, please inform me)

Skin Conditions:
  • Active skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex, impetigo, or fungal infections).
  • Psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis in the treatment area.
  • Severe acne, rosacea, or open wounds in the treatment area.
Health Conditions:
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or blood sugar issues that delay wound healing.
  • Blood disorders/diseases or clotting issues (e.g., hemophilia).
  • Immune system disorders or conditions affecting healing.
  • Autoimmune diseases, unless cleared by a doctor.
  • Epilepsy, especially if seizures are uncontrolled.
Medications and Treatments:
  • Use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
  • Recent use of Retin-A, Accutane, or other skin-thinning treatments (within 6–12 months).
  • Active or recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy (consult a doctor before proceeding).
Allergic Reactions:
  • Known allergy to tattoo pigments, lidocaine, or other ingredients used in the procedure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing, due to potential risks to the baby.
Keloid Scarring:
  • Prone to forming keloids or hypertrophic scars.
Recent Procedures:
  • Recent Botox, fillers, or laser treatments near the area (wait 2–4 weeks).
  • Recent sunburns or tanning on the treatment site.
Other Factors:
  • Cold sores EVER IN YOUR LIFE in or around the lips (must treat with antivirals before lip tattooing).
  • Severe allergies or sensitivities to cosmetics or skincare products.

If any of these contraindications apply to you, be sure to inform me! It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before proceeding with your procedure.

Cosmetic Tattoo Preparation

General instructions for preparing for your cosmetic or paramedical tattoo (each service will have additional, specific guidelines)

What to Do Prior to Your Appointment:
  • Consultation – This step is *REQUIRED* for SMP, SCAR CAMOUFLAGE/CONCEALMENT, NIPPLE/AREOLA RESTORATIVE TATTOOS and if you have previous work at the site to be tattooed. A consultation is the perfect time to discuss your goals and expectations, any medical conditions, questions and concerns and for us to get to know one another before the procedure!
  • Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin healthy and supple.
  • Eat a Balanced Meal – Have a meal before your appointment to prevent hunger/lightheadedness during the procedure.
  • Clean Skin – Make sure the treatment area is clean, free of makeup, lotion, or oils on the day of the procedure.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing – Choose loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the treatment area without causing irritation.
What Not to Do Prior to Your Appointment:
  • No Alcohol or Caffeine – Refrain from consuming alcohol 48 hours before procedure or excessive caffeine 24 hours before to minimize sensitivity, dehydration and bleeding.
  • No Blood-Thinning Medications – Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for at least 72 hours before the appointment unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
  • No Tanning or Sunburns – Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least two weeks before the appointment.
  • No Chemical Peels or Exfoliation – Avoid chemical peels, retinol products, exfoliation, microneedling, etc. on the treatment area for one month prior to procedure. *Important* ACCUTANE MUST not be used FOR A FULL YEAR BEFORE PROCEDURE.
  • Do Not Wax or Shave Aggressively – Refrain from waxing, plucking, or shaving the area for 72 hours before the appointment to avoid irritation or sensitivity.
  • Avoid Active Skin Treatments – Stop using products with acids (e.g., glycolic or salicylic acid) or acne treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide at least two weeks before procedure.
  • No Heavy Exercise on the Day of Procedure – Avoid strenuous workouts to reduce skin sensitivity and ensure a clean treatment area.
Additional Tips:
  • Tell me about any allergies, medical conditions, or previous skin treatments.
  • Each service has it’s own unique set of pre and post care instructions.
  • Be sure to carefully read all consultation forms and follow pre-care instructions and any additional guidelines.
  • Fill out paperwork truthfully and as accurately as possible.

Cosmetic Tattoo Aftercare

General Instructions (each service will have additional, specific guidelines) for Cosmetic or Paramedical Tattoos

General Healing Timeline:
  • Days 1–3: Minor redness and/or swelling. Color will appear quite dark.
  • Days 4–6: Minor scabbing occurs.
  • Days 7-14: Flaking and peeling as scabs fall off; color may appear patchy or faded.
  • Weeks 3–4: Skin continues to repair; pigment starts to settle and could be less visible.
  • Weeks 4–8: Final color and results become visible.

Proper aftercare is your responsibility and crucial to ensure optimal healing and outcome. Failure to follow aftercare could cause infection, scarring or less than desirable results. Below are detailed instructions, divided into the initial healing period (First 2 Weeks) and the extended period (up to 8 weeks) and what to expect during this time.

First 2 Weeks: The Initial Healing Period

*Important* During this time you have an open wound and you must treat it as such. Proper care is essential to avoid infections or complications.

What to Do
Clean Gently:
  • Wait 24 hours before cleaning the tattoo.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.
  • Use a gentle, unscented cleanser and lukewarm water to lightly dab the area with clean fingertips.
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel (NO cloth towels).
  • Air dry 20-30 seconds to ensure no moisture is trapped.
Apply Healing Ointment:
  • Use a thin layer of the aftercare ointment provided. Never use anything petroleum based!
  • Apply sparingly to avoid clogging pores. This is meant to protect the skin. It should not be overly moist.
  • *Cleansing/Ointment application will be 2x per day. Morning and evening or as needed if the area gets dirty, sweaty or inadvertently touched with unclean hands.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy:
  • Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support healing.
What Not to Do
No Picking or Scratching:
  • Do not touch, rub, pick, or peel any scabs or flakes, as this can cause scarring, pigment loss, or possible infection.
No Sweating:
  • Avoid saunas, hot showers/baths, hot tubs, working out or any strenuous activities to minimize sweating, which can affect pigment retention.
No Sun or Tanning:
  • Absolutely no sun exposure as this could cause scaring or fading and most definitely causes sweating (see above!)
  • If sun exposure is unavoidable wear a large brim hat and large sunglasses.
  • *SUNSCREEN CANNOT BE WORN AT THIS TIME*
Do Not Submerge the Area in Water:
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in baths. Stick to quick showers.
No Makeup or Harsh Products:
  • Refrain from exfoliants or any active skincare products on or NEAR the area. Not even your daily moisturizer should be used during this time.
  • Absolutely NO make-up! Remember, the skin is OPEN and make-up use could result in infection.

Weeks 3-8: The Extended Healing Period

The skin continues to repair itself and pigment may be less visible for a couple weeks until skin cell turnover is complete at the 6-8 week mark.

What to Do
Keep Skin Moisturized:
  • Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer daily to keep the area hydrated.
Use Sun Protection:
  • After 4 weeks, you may apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect the area. This prevents fading and discoloration.
Monitor Healing Progress:
  • Expect the tattoo to appear lighter or uneven as the skin regenerates. Final results are usually visible by week 8.
Follow Touch-Up Recommendations:
  • Attend any scheduled touch-up appointments as advised to refine and perfect the results.
What Not to Do
Avoid Aggressive Treatments:
  • No microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser treatments near the area until fully healed.
Don't Expose to Harsh Environments:
  • Avoid extreme heat, cold, or prolonged sun exposure.
Do Not Use Harsh Skincare Products:
  • Avoid retinol, acids, and other strong skincare products around the area until fully healed.

By following these steps, you’ll promote safe healing and achieve long-lasting, vibrant results. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out! If you notice signs of infection (eg Pus, Excessive Redness, or Swelling), contact me and/or a healthcare professional immediately.