Instructions
- Leave the covering on for the time you were advised to at the end of your appointment. When you do remove the covering, wash straight away.
- First wash: Wash your hands before applying lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Wash very gently with your hands only, no cloths. Rinse well and let it dry naturally or pat very gently with a clean paper towel.
- Moisturise thinly: apply a pea-sized amount of unscented tattoo balm/cream 2–4× daily. It should look lightly shiny, never greasy.
- Let it breathe: keep the tattoo uncovered at home. Only re-cover briefly if you’re in a dirty/sweaty environment, then remove when safe.
- Hands off: flaking and tiny scabs are normal. Don’t scratch or pick—tap around it if itchy.
- Showers are fine, soaking isn’t: quick showers only. No baths, pools, sea, hot tubs or saunas until fully healed.
- Clothing & sleep: wear clean, soft, loose fabrics. If bedding or clothes stick, wet to release—never pull off dry.
- Sun care: keep it out of direct sun while healing. After it’s healed, use high-SPF sunscreen to prevent fading.
- If using second-skin: wear 3–5 days if comfy and sealed. If it floods or lifts, remove sooner in the shower by stretching the film low and slow, then follow the wash/moisturise routine.
- If you notice a spreading redness after day 2, increasing heat/pain, yellow/green discharge, fever or feeling unwell let me know straight away and seek medical advice (pharmacist/GP/111) if needed.
Typical healing time is between 2–4 weeks depending on placement and size.
Tooth Gem Aftercare
A few simple habits will keep your gem secure, sparkling, and your enamel happy.
Instructions
- First 2 hours: no eating. Hot drinks are fine. Sip water if you like while the bond settles.
- First 24 hours: stick to soft foods and avoid crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods (nuts, crusts, toffees, gum) on the gem tooth.
- No picking or fidgeting: don’t touch the gem with fingers or teeth; avoid biting nails, pens, or using the gem tooth to open/tear things (obviously).
- Brushing: don’t brush the night of your appointment. Start again the next morning with a soft-bristle brush and gentle pressure, angling the brush away from the gem edge; then resume brushing normally.
- Flossing: you can floss, but slide the floss out rather than snapping up against the gem. If unsure, skip the gem contact point for 24 hours.
- Mouthwash: avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for 24 hours. If you like, rinse with a mild alcohol-free mouthwash or warm salt water after meals.
- Whitening products: avoid whitening strips, strong peroxide gels, or charcoal powders around the gem; they can undermine the adhesive or scratch the surface.
- Heat & habits: smoking and vaping are fine. Do not wear a night guard—it can abrade and damage the gem surface.
- Professional cleaning: hygienist appointments are fine—just tell them you have a gem so they avoid scaling directly over it.
- Removal: if you want the gem taken off, a qualified dentist/hygienist must remove it with a scale & polish. I can’t remove tooth gems.
- If the gem loosens or comes off don’t try to re-glue it yourself—message me if you want it replaced. If you swallow it, it usually passes harmlessly; if you think you inhaled it or feel chest discomfort, seek urgent medical advice.
The bond strengthens over 24 hours. Longevity varies with diet and habits; avoid picking for the longest wear.