Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co. 

Aftercare Instructions

Conventional Aftercare

• Make sure hands are clean when touching the tattoo area.  
• Leave initial bandage on for 1-3 hours, remove, wash tattoo using clear liquid soap/castille soap.
• Do not re-bandage the tattoo after initial bandage. Optional: You may bandage the tattoo the first night with plastic wrap or Saniderm, but remove said bandage immediately in the morning.
• For the first three days, wash the tattoo three times during the day, pat it dry with a clean paper towel after, and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the tattoo area. Blot any excess ointment off the area after five minutes with a paper towel.  
• Beginning on the fourth day, switch to a white lotion (unscented) and apply when the tattoo is dry.
• Continue washing twice a day. Do this for a week.  
• The tattoo will peel and flake, this is normal. Do not pick or scratch when it itches or if it scabs, as this  could cause damage and scarring.  
• No excessive sun for two weeks. Protect with sunblock after this period to prevent fading.
• No soaking in water for prolonged periods of time. No chlorinated water, baths, river or lake water, for two weeks. Showers are fine.  
• Keep loose clothing on it and keep abrasive clothing away from the tattoo to prevent damage.

Saniderm/Tegaderm/Waterproof Bandage Aftercare

• Make sure hands are clean when touching the tattoo area.  
• Leave initial bandage on for 1-3 hours, remove, wash the tattoo using clear liquid soap/castille soap.
• For the first day, wash the tattoo area and apply Aquaphor to the area, blotting any excess from the tattoo area.  
• For the first night, wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap. This will catch any blood/plasma/ink that seeps from the tattoo overnight.
• Remove the bandage in the morning, and for the remainder of the day, wash the tattoo and apply Aquaphor 2-3 times.  
• The second day/evening, wash the tattoo and pat dry, do NOT use ointment, and apply the Saniderm/Waterproof Bandage to the tattoo area. This bandage will stay on for 2-3 days.
• Remove/replace the bandage if excess moisture/plasma builds up under the bandage.
• After the 2-3 days, remove the bandage and wash (in the shower is preferred as the bandage will come off easier if soaked with soapy water).
• For the following week apply lotion when the skin is dry. Wash if necessary.

The tattoo is applied in a clean, sterile environment and keeps within Health Department Regulations.  Most infections occur outside the shop, so it is best to take good care and follow the instructions given,  as this is the best way to prevent any complications. Symptoms such as a fever developing, extreme pain to the touch, and redness that doesn’t go away, are all possible signs of an infection. If an infection does occur we recommend you seek medical attention immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about the tattoo, please do not hesitate to call the shop.  

You may donate blood after receiving a new tattoo, per Kent County Health Department regulations. Ask  for a copy of your release form to bring in with you to your donation center.  

Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.

974 Cherry Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 427-3777

Disclosure Statement /Notice for Filing Complaints  

Public Act 375, which was enacted in December of 2010,  indicates that individuals shall not tattoo, brand, or perform  body piercing on another individual unless the tattooing,  branding, or body piercing occurs at a body art facility licensed  by the Michigan Department of Community Health. Body art  facilities are required to be in compliance with the  “Requirements for Body Art Facilities,” which provide  guidelines for safe and sanitary body art administration.  

As with any invasive procedure, body art may involve possible  health risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to:  transmissions of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and viral  hepatitis, skin disorders, skin infections, and allergic reactions.  

In addition, persons with certain conditions including, but not  limited to, diabetes, hemophilia or epilepsy, are at a higher risk  for complications and should consult a physician before  undergoing a body art procedure.  

If you wish to file a complaint against a body art facility related  to compliance with PA 375 or have concerns about potential  health risks, please visit www.michigan.gov/bodyart.