Expert: Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist - 4/23/2009

Question
I had a quick question, I got my tattoo done on my forearm on April 3rd and used aquafor afterwards. The tattoo peeled and flaked last week and I went back to the studio to make sure everything was ok and the artist said to start using a fragrance free lotion so I started using curel (a very light coat 3 times a day). It seems like it is healing well but still seems like it is almost crystallized in some areas if that makes sense where there are very tiny cracks. I read somewhere else on the forum to possibly use baby oil if the tattoo is building up a callous reaction and wanted to see where to proceed from here...quit using lotion or use baby oil to remove dead skin from the top layer.

Thanks much in advance, here is an album of 3 photos I took tonight. Thanks again!

http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww140/polyrythmic987/

Answer
Matt-

My guess is that what is going on is a simple loss of ink and all that is needed is a touch up.  It is not uncommon for some ink to come out in the process of healing, this is why most artists offer a free touch up.

I think keeping up with unscented lotion is fine and I'd talk to your artist about when it would be appropriate to touch it up.

Good Luck,
Sasha Merritt
www.dragonflyink.com