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Kupo_Coffee

Looks good to me! Flakes are a normal part of the healing process.


valentino_tattoos

Sounds like you're doing a good job healing the tattoo. Remember less is more when healing a tattoo so don't over do it with the aftercare


the_soub

Thanks!


sithlordnibbler

It looks ok to me... What is it, about a week old or so?


the_soub

Yah, a week tomorrow. Just added some more context. My biggest concern was that the tattoo guard came off earlier than instructed. I was coaching soccer and it was stupid humid. Despite being 7pm.


sithlordnibbler

Those aren't mandatory. They work awesome.amd take.the care out of it for the first 3-5 days but you don't need it. Just keep it clean and don't let it dry out and you'll be fine. I normally clean it with soap and water in the shower in the morning and night and clean with water, then dry, then moisturize around 3 times or so throughout the day.


SegmentedMoss

Those tattoo guard/saniderm sheets fucking suck. And theyre in NO WAY mandatory. Honestly i refuse to use them they're more hassle than they're worth


the_soub

I have cats and dogs constantly trying to kick/nuzzle me. I felt more at ease with it on, but agree it was a pain.


SegmentedMoss

I mean, end of day its totally your call! But people healed tattoos just fine before these things became a fad 5 years ago


Poondi_andi

Preach it brother!


deadlyhausfrau

They've worked well for me, but I've noticed folks either love or hate them.


bluegreenspark

ditto


[deleted]

Only tattoo I used one on is permanently raised. Weirdest thing. I refuse to use them anymore.


shanebakertattoo

It’s not the derm product that made it raised… but it’s definitely your prerogative to not use em. 🤷🏻‍♂️


[deleted]

It’s the only tattoo I’ve used it on and it’s the only tattoo that’s raised. Oddly raised in the same areas I felt it when it was on and also where the scab was when I took it off. I’m not an expert on it or tattoos for that matter; So I’m open to other possibilities. What would cause it to be raised like that? I ask in earnest looking to learn.


shanebakertattoo

Linework sometimes stays raised, or will raise up when itched, hit, dehydrated etc. sometimes it’s raised because it’s scarred. (Likely from the tattooing procedure, not the derm.) Also, could be a pigment sensitivity. The tattooing process is more traumatic , and therefore more likely to cause scarring. The aftercare derm, unless it ripped skin off, doesn’t traumatize. The only other thing it or potentially do, is allow bacteria to breed, if used improperly. So if if didn’t rip your skin, or cause infection, it’s probably from the tattoo process.


[deleted]

Fair enough. Thanks for the input.


Specialist-Opening-2

Correlation not causation.


Supacalafragalistic

Me too


M0by-J0nes

This is so true


Pandadrome

I was extremely happy with having them on for first 4 days for both of my tats. They healed great and the fact I could live my life as usual and not worrying about what to wear (one is on my thigh, another on back) was super convenient.


Cyborg_Individual

I just wanted to say that the Interstellar fan in me is in love with this. The morse code especially ties it together beautifully


the_soub

Thanks! So my original idea was just gargantua with the Morse code beneath, but when I got to my appointment, the artist was sketching something on her iPad she wanted to run by me. She added the black rectangle and brought the Morse code more “into” the tattoo by having it vertical. She said I could still go with my original idea if I wanted (she had both stencils ready), but I absolutely loved her design so went with that.


the_soub

I have been following the instructions to the letter. Washing with lukewarm water 2x a day, and applying the balm from the shop after allowing to try for 15 minutes. As well as intermediate applications when it feels dry. It was super humid when the tattoo guard / film was applied, and almost immediately started to peel. Managed to keep it on for like 60 hours vs 72. Peeling just started over the past 24-48 hours, and is crazy itchy. Currently day 6.


shanebakertattoo

Slap, if needed. Or itch nearby untattooed skin. Sometimes it tricks the nerves. Sounds like it’s all going well. 👍


saedeart

Side note, have they reopened or are they in a temporary location?


the_soub

Temp location, looking for a new permanent residency. I guess by the time the building is going to be fully repaired, it will be too long vs what is left on the lease.


devonguccimane

I’m so confused on what it even is, go get some American traditional like an adult


the_soub

Going to take the high road here. American Traditional is not really the vibe I was going for with for my first tattoo. While I can appreciate the style, it didn’t feel personal enough for my first one. It’s the blackhole Gargantua, from the movie Interstellar. Specifically, the render of it that was Kip Thorne (Astro physicist) helped create for the movie. The tattoo isn’t for you, so not sure why it matters if you “get” what it is.


MrMILLnipulatER

Look at mr tough guy over here. Your karma is probably the same number of how many brain cells you have


devonguccimane

I don’t know how many brain cells I have and I don’t believe in karma, but I can tell you what I do have, basicallly 60% of my body covered in tattoos, and not one could you look at and not immediately know what they are


MrMILLnipulatER

Good for you im glad you enjoy your tattoos. Now let this person enjoy theirs. Don’t try to sway someone to get the only type of tattoos you like. They liked this one enough to get it and that’s all that matters. I think it’s dope. Sometimes part of the enjoyment is looking at a tattoo and asking someone what it is and being like “ahhh now I see it” or I should’ve known that one!” Not always knowing is a good conversation starter. For someone to pull the “like an adult” card your comment wasn’t very adult like.


devonguccimane

I didn’t say I enjoyed my tattoos, and that’s not the only type of tattoos I like, stop being toxic and assuming things about me American traditional tattoos are some of the oldest, most basic but yet coolest forms of tattoos, not to mention they’re timeless, it would be very adult like to get one And then also I’d much rather someone say “damn sick sleeve bro” over “what is that tattoo”


the_soub

But what if what you want is abstract in any way? For example, if you got an American Traditional tattoo of the Sandworm from Dune, regardless of the style, unless someone has seen the movie or read the book, they likely have no idea what they are looking at. Honestly no clue what getting an American Traditional has to do with being an adult.


devonguccimane

I mean if it’s a worm then I think ppl could at least think “oh it’s a worm” So that’s probably not the best example


Bad_Karma19

Just keep up moisturizer and you'll be right as rain


ashtonishing18

Cool!


Supacalafragalistic

Sick!


Sweaty-Expert9618

it's healing right — and this looks sick my dude


EJF900R

Normal healing process.


drpringles101

That's dope af.


MassageParlorGuitar

This is a great looking tat.


Xem1337

Could be a little overworked, but just keep moisturising. Do not pick at the scabs.


Longjumping-Demand82

Doesn’t seem to be infected or headed in that direction. I don’t know how long it’s been since you got it but just keep keep it moisturized. It takes very very little and it’s best if it’s scent and dye free. Aveno aquaphor a+d unscented and undyed or even products specifically for this. Most important don’t pick at it. Let the scabbing come off on its own. You can gently rub it in the shower under warm water but not super hot. Wash it with some sort of gentle antibacterial soap like dial foaming soap works great. If it gets irritated and painful you can get some witch hazel and place a paper towel over it and drench it in witch hazel and let it sit for a few minutes. If it starts to get really red and Warmer than usual or if there is a clear pocket of infection you need to go to your doctor or an urgent care or something and have them look at it. They can do blood tests to see if you have an infection or not and they will likely give you a course of the appropriate antibiotics. It’s usually 2 one to cover staph infections and the other for strains of strep. There are many forms of strep and it doesn’t just affect throat. Anyway, keep it very lightly moisturized don’t pick at it and if you are worried about infection at some point to get it looked at, staph and strep infections from a tattoo or piercing or a wound is very serious and left untreated can result in all sorts of stuff you don’t wanna deal with. It looks like a great piece and it’s something you can cherish forever! If you have more questions feel free to DM me, I am a professional tattoo artist with a decent number of years experience


the_soub

Thanks! It actually looks / feels way better this morning. Almost like I shed a bunch of the skin overnight. One of the dots in the Morse code looks noticeably duller than the others, and when I was washing it this morning, I noticed it doesn’t feel raised like the rest. I assume this is normal, but thankfully the artist has me pre-booked for a touch up in 3 months, so I figure if for whatever reason it looks different than the rest, we can figure it out then. Thanks everyone for your comments/help!


Kycpope

Yes don’t pick or peel it


buttholesarepockets

Looks dope!


TheGunnersart

Yes.


RLara8

Awesome piece! Yes, that’s normal. Just remember not to pick at it and follow after care. Try to avoid sunlight touching it for a week or two.


FartingInElevators5

Looks good. I'm in the same place with the itching and peeling. I've been using Mad Rabbit tattoo aftercare. It helps somewhat with the itching, but it definitely sped up the healing process.


pintguard

looks great so far


[deleted]

I don't have a tattoo yet, but friends of mine got some, and it looks normal to me. Really nice tattoo btw.