Tattoo aftercare in Bali

Choose the bandage used for your tattoo, then follow the care path below, including sun and swimming guidance.

First 72 hours

Remove, rinse, keep dry.

  1. Remove regular plastic wrap within a maximum of one hour.
  2. Wash your hands, then rinse the tattoo with clean lukewarm water.
  3. Pat dry with a fresh paper towel. Never rub.
  4. Let it air-dry for 5–10 minutes.
  5. For days 1–3, rinse 2–3 times daily. Do not apply cream yet.
First 3–5 days

Leave the film in place.

Keep Second Skin on for the period directed by the artist. Fluid under the film, a dark appearance and mild edge lifting can be normal.

Remove it early if the tattoo becomes exposed or if redness, heat, pain, rash or swelling worsens. Never swim or soak with Second Skin.

The non-negotiables

Until fully healed.

Keep it clean, light and untouched. Use only a small amount of fragrance-free aftercare cream once the surface is closed and dry.

No soaking

Skip pools, ocean and baths.

No direct sun

Fresh ink is UV-sensitive.

Do not scratch

Let flakes release naturally.

Avoid friction

Wear clean, loose clothing.

Limit sweat

Pause heavy workouts.

Use less cream

It should not look wet or shiny.

Healing stages

What you may see.

Days 1–3 · Fresh

Mild redness, swelling, warmth and light plasma can occur. Keep the tattoo clean and dry.

Days 4–7 · Peeling

Mild itching, tightness and flaking may begin. Do not scratch or pick.

Week 2 · Cloudy

The tattoo may appear dull or milky while the top layer continues to shed.

Weeks 3–4 · Settling

The skin may look shiny while deeper layers heal and the tattoo regains clarity.

Get medical help when symptoms are serious.Spreading severe redness, fever, hot skin, foul discharge, red streaks, blistering or increasing pain need prompt medical attention. Tell Lifewell too, but do not delay professional care.
Touch-ups

Send a healed photo within three months.

If a touch-up is needed, show Lifewell a clear, well-lit photo within three months of the original tattoo date. When documented within that window, the required touch-up is complimentary and can be used when a travelling client returns to Bali.

It does not cover ignored aftercare, work altered by another artist, reports first made after three months or changes outside the original design.

Send a healing photo

Unsure about healing?

Send a clear photo to Lifewell. For urgent symptoms, seek medical care.

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