When 3rd son and I left the tattoo parlor yesterday (a phrase that cracks me up to write...really), we were each given a little packet of A/D ointment and instructions on after-care. Then at home, since I tend to be a research babe, I got online and watched videos and read bits about what can happen if you don't take care of a new tattoo. Ewww. Well, so far, so good. Mine looks neat and tidy with no redness and no flakiness yet. Seems that's a normal process---the shedding bit.
Thought for my own information purposes, I'd document the healing process here. Just move along little doggie if you're not interested. It'll just take a minute. Oh, and by the way. When I went to the grocery store today, I felt so empowered. Go figure. This tattoo has made me feel so brave and strong. Maybe it's the part where I sat still while enduring, what for me was, sort of hard-to-manage pain. Or maybe it's the permanence of the decision. Feels good, no matter.
Now onto the update.
Have washed the tattoo with mild soap about 6+ times today, using my hand and not a washcloth. Applied A/D afterward. Had left it uncovered overnight and won't cover it again. Keeping it moist with the ointment is key to the healing. Should expect it possibly to look a bit tattered in the days to come, but today at about 17 hours after coming home, it looks dandy.
Oh, told one of my brothers about it today on the phone. He wasn't aware of what we'd done, and he said he fully expected me to get a second one. Said he doesn't know one person who has only one. Hmmm.
