The surface of a fresh tattoo, with proper care, usually takes only two weeks to heal. Sometimes the new tattoo may have a hazy look around the two week period, this will go away after about a week. Also for some people there may be slight bruising or sensitivity around the general area of the new tattoo, especially in sensitive areas and may take a few days after being tattooed for this to subside.
New York Law specifically states the following: After the tattooing procedure has been completed, every tattooist shall provide his or her customers with written instructions on the proper care of tattooed skin. These are Gotham Tattoos' tattoo aftercare instructions.
After receiving your new tattoo remove your sterile bandage in 3-5 hours and wash the area with cool, soapy water. Only use your hands to wash the tattoo and avoid using a wash cloth on the area for two weeks. The use of an antibacterial soap such as Dial is highly recommended. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the skin. After the initial bandage is removed do not re-bandage the tattoo. Your tattoo will need to breathe.
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours following the tattoo. This is because alcohol thins your blood and can cause you to ooze blood more than normal, which can flush the tattoo pigment out of your skin leaving light spots in your tattoo.
Once the bandage is removed immediately start applying a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment * as often as needed to keep the tattoo moist at all times (at least 5 times a day). If the triple antibiotic ointment is too strong for your skin use Bacitracin ointment. It is very important that you do not let the tattoo dry out during the first two weeks. This is further explained in the "Tattooing Process" section. After two weeks, you can switch to skin cream or lotion. A triple antibiotic ointment can be purchased at any pharmacy in the first aid section. If you are allergic to any of the active ingredients found in triple antibiotic ointment or you find it too harsh for your skin, try using Aquaphor healing ointment. Pay extra attention to areas where there is joint movement ie. elbows, knees, wrist, etc. If however, due to working conditions, etc. you will be unable to apply the ointment as often as needed or your clothing will be constantly rubbing against your tattoo, in such a case you should keep it covered until the first layer of skin regenerates itself (usually around the middle of the second week). If you do cover it you can use either plastic wrap or gauze. If you use gauze you may need to use a little more ointment because the bandage may soak up the ointment.
Never use lotions or petroleum jelly until the area is totally healed. Gotham Tattoos recommends using a triple antibiotic ointment, Aquaphor healing ointment or A&D ointment during the first two weeks because the tattoo is in the healing stage. Excellent results can be had by using just Aquaphor; however, Gotham Tattoos recommends using the triple antibiotic ointment for at least the first couple of days to be on the safe side. The worst thing that could happen to a new tattoo is the possibility of it getting infected. A triple antibiotic ointment will help to keep this from occurring and also helps to speed up the healing process. Lotions and petroleum jelly do not help in fighting infection and can actually harbor bacteria. Switching to lotion after a few days of getting a new tattoo is not a good idea because the tattooed area has not had a chance to fully seal itself and lotion does nothing to fight bacterial infection.
One should avoid swimming or immersing the tattoo in water for any prolonged period of time. Showers are fine… but not baths. No swimming for two weeks. Your tattoo may peel for a while. You may notice some of the old skin with bits of excess ink slough off when applying the triple antibiotic ointment. This is normal and it is the first layer of skin regenerating itself.
New tattoos often itch and sometimes may develop a scab; however, it is imperative that one should refrain from scratching, picking, rubbing or wearing anything that may continually rub the tattoo. All of these could damage the tattoo at best and scar the area at worst. If the itching becomes unbearable do not scratch your tattoo but instead try slapping or applying ice to the area for relief.
Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight and it will be bright and fresh for many years. Use a sun block with a rating of "40" or stronger. Exposing the tattoo to the sun without sun block is never a good idea, no matter how old it is. The sun can and will slowly fade your tattoo.
If you notice signs of infection (pus, rash, redness or swelling) or increased bleeding at the site of the tattoo, you should contact your doctor immediately.
* Triple Antibiotic Ointment – is a topical antibiotic to help prevent infections caused by bacteria that get into minor cuts, scrapes, burns and new tattoos. Treating minor wounds with antibiotics allows quicker healing. Some widely used topical antibiotics are bacitracin, neomycin, mupirocin, and polymyxin B. Among the products that contain one or more of these ingredients are Bactroban (a prescription item), Neosporin, Polysporin, and Triple Antibiotic Ointment or Cream.
The Tattooing Process
How the tattooing process works
Understanding how tattooing works is pretty simple. Perfecting that process is another matter entirely. A basic working definition of tattooing is the art form of marking the skin with indelible images, marks or patterns by inserting pigment into the second layer of skin (the Dermis) through puncturing, cutting, or injecting. A person has three layers of skin the Epidermis, the Dermis and the Subcutis a.k.a. the Hypodermis.
Modern tattooing is achieved by the use of electromagnetic tattooing machines. They work very much like a tiny jackhammer. A needle bar is attached to the machine and runs through a handheld tube. The complete set up is known as a tattoo machine or tattoo gun. The tip of the tube is dipped into tattooing ink similar to a fountain pen and is then run across the skin. If done properly the needle pierces the first layer of skin (the Epidermis) and pushes ink into the second layer of skin (the Dermis). This process causes slight trauma to the Epidermis layer, which creates a wound similar to a light rug burn. Afterwards the first layer regenerates itself; thereby, trapping the tattooing ink in the Dermis layer. Most tattooing inks consist of water, alcohol, glycerin and pigments. These pigments are often made from natural materials such as finely ground carbon, stone, etc.
Sandwiched in between the Epidermis and the Dermis layers of skin is where one's skin pigment or melanin is found. The lighter one's skin pigment is, in turn, determines how bright or detailed a tattoo will appear. During the first couple of days after being tattooed the tattoo will appear very bright and sharp. The tattooing needle pushes ink through both the Epidermis and Dermis layers of skin; as a result, leaving both layers inked. After a few days of the initial tattooing, the Epidermis layer visibly starts to regenerate itself. Once the old Epidermis layer sloughs off, at about four or five days after getting tattooed, the ink that was present in that layer also go with it. Now only the Dermis layer has tattooing ink present. When two full weeks have passed the tattoo is pretty much healed and what one sees is the trapped pigment through the somewhat transparent, newly regenerated Epidermis layer. If your skin has darker melanin then it will compete with the tattooing ink trapped beneath it in the Dermis layer.
The Layers of Skin as Related to Tattooing
Why is it important that a new tattoo not dry out during the first two weeks after being tattooed?
Scabs can start developing as early as the following day of having the tattoo applied. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to keep the new tattoo moist at all times during the first two weeks. If a new tattoo was allowed to dry up it would develop hard scabs. These hard scabs have a tendency to crack and are more prone to being pulled off. When a scab like this cracks it can very easily split right down to the Dermis layer where the ink is and thereby damage the tattoo. When these scabs are pulled off they take with them some of the tattooing ink from the Dermis layer. Both of these situations will leave light areas in the tattoo but they can also remove large sections of ink and possibly scar the area.
Scabs and how they affect a new tattoo
This is easily avoided by constantly applying the recommended healing ointment for two full weeks. When this is done there will be no hard scabbing; instead, very light slimy scabs will appear and one may notice them slide off when applying the triple antibiotic ointment. This ointment not only helps protect the tattoo but it also helps fight infection as well as speed up the healing process.
Cover-ups, Scar Tissue & Laser Lightening
Cover-up tattooing calls for a design that works with the existing tattoo rather than simply hiding it beneath a larger, darker image. Color, density, placement, and the old design all shape the possibilities.
Scar tissue can behave differently from undamaged skin. A scar should be fully healed and mature before considering tattooing, and the outcome may be less predictable.
Laser lightening is an option for some dark or densely packed tattoos. It is not automatically necessary, but it may broaden the choice of designs for a successful cover-up.
Why a successful cover-up takes planning
A cover-up is not simply a matter of placing a new image over an old one. The existing tattoo’s size, shapes, colors, darkness, and placement become part of the design problem. We examine what can be incorporated into the new artwork, which areas require stronger contrast, and where the composition needs room to breathe.
A successful result should look like an intentional, cohesive tattoo—not an old tattoo buried under a patch of black. That may mean rethinking the subject, enlarging the design, or using shadows and texture strategically. Some existing tattoos offer far more flexibility than others.
What to expect from a cover-up consultation
We begin by examining the existing tattoo and discussing what you would like to see in its place. Clear photographs are helpful for an initial conversation, but an in-person evaluation may be needed to assess the ink and skin accurately. Bring reference images that communicate your preferred subject, mood, and style.
We will discuss realistic options, including how much of the original can be concealed, whether a larger design would be needed, and whether the project is best approached in stages. No responsible artist can promise that every old tattoo will disappear completely under every new design.
Dark ink, color, and laser lightening
Dark or densely saturated ink can limit the colors and details that will remain visible in a new tattoo. A cover-up usually needs to work with those limitations rather than ignore them. In some cases, selectively lightening the old tattoo with laser treatment before tattooing can open up additional design possibilities.
Laser lightening is not automatically required for every cover-up. We can discuss whether it may be worthwhile for the design you want, while leaving laser treatment and its suitability to an appropriately qualified provider.
Tattooing over scars
Scar tissue is not the same as unaffected skin. Texture, thickness, sensitivity, and the way the tissue accepts pigment can vary considerably. The age and condition of a scar matter, and a scar must be fully healed and mature before tattooing is considered.
Some scars may be suitable for a carefully planned tattoo; others may not be. Results can be less predictable, and raised or sensitive scars may require medical evaluation before proceeding. We assess each situation individually rather than promising that tattooing will erase a scar or make it invisible.
A custom design, not a quick disguise
At Gotham Tattoos, cover-up work is approached as custom artwork. Our aim is to create a design you are proud to wear on its own merits, with the old tattoo addressed as part of the composition. That takes thoughtful design, realistic expectations, and the patience to do the work properly.
Tattoo FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
Can one who is under 18 get a tattoo?
Not at Gotham Tattoos! You MUST be at least 18 years old and present valid identification (a driver's license or passport). New York State law prohibits tattooing minors, even with parental consent. Gotham Tattoos fully supports this law and strictly enforces it. We do not tattoo anyone under 18—no exceptions.
Will it hurt?
Usually, depending on the individual. The most sensitive places tend to be on the inside of your arms and legs as well as the stomach area. If you have a low pain tolerance speak to your doctor about getting a pain killer to help you deal with the pain; however, Gotham Tattoos will not tattoo anyone under the influence of illicit drugs. Do not use any type of topical anesthesia on your skin before getting tattooed, these can affect the healing process and final appearance of the tattoo.
How much does it cost?
Every tattoo is different and the prices vary. There is a minimum charge of $300 that covers the basic setup of equipment, sterilization and most small i.e. 2"x2", single color tattoos. All other designs will be charged an hourly rate. At Gotham Tattoos, our rates are firm and non-negotiable. If you are not able to afford the tattoo you want, we recommend that you wait until you can, instead of settling for something less than you had in mind. Reducing the size or quality, or trying to rush the process will only disappoint you in the end. A tattoo is a lifetime investment, get the one that will make you happy in the long run.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Gotham Tattoos works by appointment only. It is recommended to set up a free consultation appointment to go over your piece and discuss the fees involved. If you have sketches, photos of objects or designs that you like please bring them with you to the consultation appointment.
Can you design my tattoo or do I have to bring in my own design?
At Gotham Tattoos, we specialize in original custom work developed in our artists’ styles. This means we do not copy the artwork or photographs of other artists. If you would like to provide your artwork, photos, or designs as references, that would not be a problem. We believe that the whole tattooing process is a deeply personal experience and this should be reflected in your tattoo.
Does Gotham Tattoos charge a fee to design a custom tattoo?
Yes, Gotham Tattoos charges a minimum design fee to do one detailed sketch with one possible revision (a complete do-over or other revisions can be made once an additional minimum fee is secured). This will be discussed in more detail during the consultation appointment. It is not an illustration fee to purchase renderings or designs and it does not go towards the actual cost of getting the tattoo. It is specifically used to compensate the artist for time spent drawing. Upon receipt of the design fee ALL details of your design must be finalized and submitted in writing within 48 hours.
If I like the design but want a few changes, would I need to pay another design fee?
Our artist will draw up a detailed design for you based on your written description, which will give you a clear representation of what you'll be getting tattooed. If there is something that you would like altered we can make that revision. An example of a revision would be adding horns to a demon that has none or changing a sword that it's carrying to a mace. Based on this example the artist would not have to redraw the illustration, only make minor changes to it. On the other hand, if you look at the design and say “I don't like the way the demon looks, instead of having him standing I want him seated”. That would be considered a do-over rather than a simple revision, because the artist would need to redraw the entire design instead of adjusting just one element. For a do-over or more than one revision, Gotham Tattoos will charge another design fee. For this reason you must write down specifically what you want during the consultation appointment. Even if you are willing to give Gotham Tattoos complete freedom with the design, it is recommended that you write down a list of things you like or wouldn't mind having in the design and things you don't like or absolutely wouldn't want in the design. It is not a cost effective situation when clients describe what they want and our artist creates a design based on their description only to have the client continue to request alterations. This would be extremely time consuming for our artists with little or no return on the time invested; therefore, only one alteration (as previously described) will be permitted free of charge.
How long does it take?
Tattooing is a slow, tedious process where there is no room for mistakes. There is no absolute time frame; however, most tattoos the size of a playing card can be done within a two-hour session. Backs and full sleeves, in most cases, take at least 30 hours to complete. There are many factors involved in getting tattooed and it is impossible for Gotham Tattoos to give an exact time frame.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for my new tattoo?
One very important thing you can do is not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before or after you get tattooed. Alcohol can cause you to bleed heavily while getting tattooed and even afterwards and as a result can flush the ink from the skin. This can result in a light washed out looking tattoo. Wear loose fitting clothing, clothes that you do not mind getting stained with ink. Eating well and having juice or other drinks with a high sugar content before getting tattooed will help you with the pain and from becoming lightheaded during the tattooing process.
How long does it take to heal?
The surface of a fresh tattoo with proper care usually takes only two weeks to heal. Sometimes the new tattoo may have a hazy look around the two week period and should go away within a month. Occasionally, some people may experience slight bruising or sensitivity around the general area of the new tattoo. If this occurs allow a few days more for these conditions to subside.
How should I take care of my tattoo?
Please read Gotham Tattoos’ comprehensive “Tattoo Aftercare” instructions in the Aftercare section above. Generally, caring for a tattoo is easy. After first receiving a new tattoo one should keep the tattoo covered for 3–5 hours. Then the bandage should be carefully removed and the area gently cleaned with soap and water. Immediately afterward, a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment is recommended for at least the first couple of days, with Aquaphor as an alternative if the ointment is unsuitable. Continue following the full two-week ointment and moisture recommendations in the Aftercare section above. One should avoid swimming or immersing the tattoo in water for any prolonged period of time. New tattoos often itch and sometimes may develop a scab; however, it is imperative that one should refrain from scratching, picking, rubbing or wearing anything that may continually rub the tattoo. All of these could damage the tattoo at best and scar the area at worst. The tattoo needs a two week undisturbed healing period to properly set. If the itching is unbearable ice can be applied to the area for relief. Exposing the tattoo to the sun without sun block is never a good idea, no matter how old it is. The sun can and will slowly fade your tattoo.
I was told by another tattoo artist that after getting tattooed I should just use lotion, is this okay?
We recommend using a triple antibiotic ointment or Aquaphor healing ointment because the tattoo is in the healing stage from day one until about two weeks. The worst thing that could happen to a new tattoo is the possibility of it getting infected. A triple antibiotic ointment will help to keep this from occurring. Lotions do not help in fighting infection and can actually harbor bacteria.
Will Gotham Tattoos touch up my tattoo at no additional charge?
In most cases we do not offer free touch ups. Tattooing is a living art and everyone's skin is unique and the tattooing ink may react differently from person to person. There is no way to guarantee exact, completely consistent results. Furthermore, all tattoos will look different after the healing process. Pigments in the skin move, shift and fade with time and this is normal and should be expected. Our artists also approach tattooing much like fine-art painting. We build up gradations and color blends slowly and rework areas as needed. To keep from causing too much trauma to the skin this often has to be achieved through multiple tattooing sessions. This technique allows the skin time to rest and heal, resulting in a long-lasting tattoo that is very rich and densely colored.
Is it true that red ink causes an allergic reaction?
All inks can potentially cause allergic reactions depending on the person. It is probably true to say that warmer colors are usually responsible for this occurrence; however, it is extremely rare. The vast majority of tattooing inks are made from non-toxic pigments. We use the highest quality, reputable, time-tested inks available. If you are prone to allergic reactions, perhaps consider starting with a very small tattoo to gauge your body's response. If you do develop an allergic reaction or any other type of infection, you should visit your doctor immediately. While allergic reactions to tattoo inks are very rare, if it happens and is left untreated it can damage the tattoo, lead to infection and/or greatly increase the healing process.
What you can expect by choosing Gotham Tattoos:
Our tattoo artists are licensed and trained in proper sterilization techniques and the prevention of infectious diseases, following New York City Department of Health requirements and relevant CDC guidance.
You can expect a clean environment, sterile equipment, and single-use needles and ink cups. These precautions protect both our clients and our artists.
Confidence in receiving thoughtfully designed custom tattoo work from experienced artists committed to high standards.
You will be treated with respect in a relaxed, professional, non-pretentious, private environment.
Your project will receive personal attention to help ensure that your vision is understood and reflected in the finished tattoo.
Our studio draws on more than three decades of professional tattooing experience and award-winning artistry.
