Okay, you're right... the towel was not a good idea. It doesn't sound like your tat artist did a very good job at telling you about aftercare. You're not supposed to use antibacterial soap the first day either... Scabbing is normal, just don't mess with them. When it heals, if there are any light spots your tat artist should be willing to fix those for free. I know the tat artist I just went to has a 3 month guarantee on all tats he does. I just got one on Saturday night... my tat artist suggested using non scented lotion on the tat 2-3 times a day until it's healed. I've been doing that and it looks great. That's what I would suggest- it looks better than the tats in which I used Bag Balm. I have 5 tats, so I do have some experience, just in case you wondered
use the a & d VERY LIGHTLY - you want it to be barely moist, not slimy. since you're already scabbing, put it on a little thicker for a couple of minutes to soften the scab, then dab it off gently with a nonlinty napkin. i always use less ointment more often, instead of slopping it on a couple times a day. sometimes they just scab, you can't help it - just be really careful not to pull it off, or pull up on the edges even though it's gonna itch like crazy. we gave up on expecting people to get the right stuff for the aftercare, now we send them home with the a&d & nonstick bandages, a lecture and written instructions. you'd be surprised at how many people will pay a pretty penny for some work, then chintz out and buy gauze to wrap it in. AND THEN have the audacity to bitch about how it looks!! yeah, my hubby will do the touchups but he'll let them know what an ass they were not to take care of it in the first place.
Id wait a good three weeks before deciding whether or not the tattoo is really screwed up. Often, different parts of the tattoo heal at different rates because of color saturation/skin movement/etc, so at first the tattoo can look uneven. If, after its completely healed, it still has faded spots, your tattooist should fix it for free. Anyway, everyone will tell you different things on aftercare, and Im not saying mine is the best, just what has worked for my 60+ hours of tattoos. I wash the tattoo with dial 2x a day, put AD ointment on it the first few days when I go to sleep so I dont get glued to the sheets(ouch), and only put Aveeno lotion on when it is super dry or itchy. I feel the faster the tattoo dries out, the faster it heals. Everyones skin is different, so do what is best for your body. Usually, my tattoo tells me what it needs. If its dry, it itches, if Im overmoisturizing, it doesnt really dry out and start to heal. Other than that, Ijust keep it clean and out of sun and water. Good luck and no towels, Peace
everyone here has a good point, but honestly i would call your artist and ask him. the healing process is different for everyone and different substances to heal are used as well, depending on the artist opinion, the ink type used, and the person. a & d works to keep it moist but it doesn't really heal the skin. bactitrician (sp?) works well if you use a limited amount and wipe off residue. again though, i'd advise you to call the artist who did the tattoo for you.
