TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS   I recommend the following care to successfully heal your new tattoo.   1.  THE DAY YOU GET THE TATTOO: Please keep the bandage in place at least 3 hours, or until you are home for the evening. If the bandage is stuck to your skin, soak it with warm water to loosen it, then carefully remove it.   2. Wash the tattoo very gently (preferably in the shower) to remove all surface blood, ointment, etc. with antibacterial soap and water. Don't use a loofah, washcloth, sponge, or anything abrasive - just use the pads of your fingers. Rinse the tattoo thoroughly.   3.  Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel (do not rub), then let it air dry completely.   4. Carefully apply a THIN layer of one of the following ointments: A&D ointment; Bacitracin; Tattoo Goo. Use only enough to make the tattoo shiny; do not use a thick layer!   5. NEXT 3-4 DAYS: Continue to keep the tattoo clean and moist with thin layers of ointment. Reapply 4-7 times daily, as needed.   6. DURATION OF HEALING (next 1-2 weeks): Discontinue using ointment. Keep tattoo well moisturized to prevent excess drying and peeling. Use one of the following: Lubriderm lotion; Vitamin E oil. Let any dead skin flake off by itself- don't pick at the tattoo. The skin is fully healed when it no longer has a shiny/filmy appearance.   DO NOT rebandage the tattoo.   DO NOT use alcohol, peroxide, Vaseline, or any other random products.   DO NOT rub, scratch, or pick at the tattoo!!!   DO NOT let it scab or dry out.   DO NOT expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, go swimming, or soak in a sauna, bathtub, or hot tub for 2 full weeks.   If you have any questions or concerns while your tattoo is healing, please feel free to call Cheryl at the Iron Butterfly - (203) 792-1830 - Tuesday-Saturday.   Just remember...once you remove your bandage, the way your tattoo heals is up to you! The way you take care of it in the next few weeks will affect the appearance of your tattoo for years to come!!! Thank you for choosing us!