Tattoo aftercare, day by day.

• Bruno will cover your tattoo before you leave and tell you how long to keep it on. Standard wrap usually comes off after a few hours; second-skin film can stay on for 3 to 5 days.
• Fluid building up under film is plasma and ink. It's normal. If the film leaks or lifts, take it off and switch to the steps below.

• Wash 2 times a day with clean hands, running lukewarm water and a little unscented soap.
• Pat dry with clean paper towel, or let it air dry. Don't rub.
• Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo balm or moisturiser. Less is more. It should look matte, not greasy.

• Flaking, peeling and itching mean it's healing. Don't pick, scratch or peel.
• Keep moisturising lightly 2 to 3 times a day.
• Wear loose, soft clothing over the area.

• Ink on the wrap or film: excess ink and plasma.
• Raised, tender and warm for 2 to 3 days: normal swelling.
• Cloudy, milky or shiny at week 1 to 2: the new skin layer. It clears up.
• Small coloured flakes: let them fall off on their own.

• Swimming, baths, spas, saunas and the beach.
• Direct sun on fresh work.
• Gym work that stretches or rubs the area for the first 1 to 2 weeks.

• Cold, dry winters dry out healing skin, so keep it moisturised.
• Wool and tight layers rub, so wear soft cotton over fresh work.
• Tasmanian UV is fierce from spring to autumn. Once healed, use SPF 50+ for life.

See a GP if the tattoo becomes more painful instead of less, redness spreads, it gets hot or swollen after day 3, it weeps pus, or you feel feverish. Then let Bruno know.

At about 4 weeks, send Bruno a daylight photo on Instagram. He'll check it, and this photo is also the first step for a touch-up.

General guidance only, based on healthdirect Australia advice and Bruno's 14 years of practice. Read more at healthdirect.gov.au.