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ghawks07 · Tattoo lover Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Hi guys im about to get my first tattoo next week (a relatively large one on my chest) and i had a few questions

1) is it ok if i workout (lift weights) after i get my tattoo, how many days should i wait before i can begin to workout again?

2) i read that you are supposed to keep your bandage on for at least 2 hours after it is done....UNLESS they wrap it with just surran (sp?) wrap...otherwise its just better to have it open. Is this true?

and lastly, do your artists usually supply you with an "aftercare kit" like i have heard or is it just up to you to get the stuff you need?

thank you very much for your help Smile

Spade · Tattoo lover Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

I have never gotten an aftercare kit. All I got was an aftercare sheet that told what I could and could not use and does and don'ts. But that was it.

As for the exercise I have no idea.

mommabird · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:20 pm Post subject:

I can just speak from my own experience...but here's my thoughts on your questions.

Working out: Not sure if you "should" or "shouldn't". I will say that the first few days after I get a tattoo, the area feels like I have a bad sunburn. I personally would not want to move it around much. Fortunately, this feeling usually only lasts me for about three days, then it quickly feels much better.

Bandages: Every tattoo session I have had (4 different artists), they have loosely covered it with a gauze bandage. Each time they told me to keep it covered for the first 2 hours. Then to remove it and clean the area before applying anything. I always jump in the shower to remove the bandage, as it can "stick" to the tattoo and you don't want to pull it off if it's stuck. By getting it wet, the bandage just falls off in the shower. I've never had the saran wrap used.

Aftercare: Two artists I visited gave me a little sample tube of A&D Ointment, while the other two just gave me directions. All 4 pretty much gave me the same aftercare instructions, which I've done all 6 sessions and I've always healed nicely without ANY problems. Different artists may give slightly different advice on aftercare, but the general census is to keep it clean, dry, yet moist - using a non-scented lotion. I think the key is keeping up the aftercare the entire time it's healing and not just for a few days.

Good luck and let us know about your tattoo once you get it!

ghawks07 · Tattoo lover Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

thanks guys i appreciate all the helpfull advice. Ill post pictures once its all done Very Happy