Aftercare Instructions

Healing Information:

PRODUCTS YOU NEED:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SANIDERM/ TEGADERM :

(If you went home in an absorbent bandage, please skip to step 3)

The bandage can stay on for a maximum of 5 days UNLESS it starts to leak. If you notice leakage or significant lifting of the bandage then remove it at your earliest convenience. A second bandage may be applied on the SECOND DAY ONLY. Past that it is too far in the healing process to apply a new bandage.
When it is time to remove the saniderm do so in the shower. Let hot water stream on top of the bandage for 1-2 minutes, then begin to slowly peel from the top. Peel in the direction that goes with the grain of your hair, and allow warm water to flow into the bandage as you’re peeling to help loosen the adhesive.
Once the bandage has been removed, with clean hands, soap up the tattoo and using fingers only make circle motions to lather the tattoo. The area will feel extremely slimy and it is VERY IMPORTANT to get the tattoo as clean as possible this first wash - you want to be able to feel your normal skin texture again. So lather the tattoo up with soap, rinse, and repeat this process 3-4 times or until the slimyness has gone.
Once you’re out of the shower and your tattoo is clean, pat and dab dry with a paper towel. Do not rub or create any friction.
Let the tattoo air dry another 15-30 minutes
With clean hands, apply a LIGHT layer of fragrance and dye free lotion. It should be just enough to lightly moisturize, you never want to slug your tattoo with anything.
Repeat the cleaning / lotion process 1-2 times daily until all of your scabs have come off.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

NO swimming or bathing within the first 2-3 weeks. The tattoo cannot be submerged under water. It’s fine to get it wet in the shower but it should not be hanging out under water under any circumstances.
Please refrain from heavy workouts during this time as well, same as being submerged in water the tattoo cannot be smothered in sweat (especially if you are wearing saniderm - the sweat will build up under the bandage)
No aquaphor or other heavy ointment based products - you want a lightweight lotion that dries quickly. Coconut oil is the ONLY oil based product I recommend for lotioning, but please make sure you are using a fresh jar (you don’t want cooking leftovers on your new tatt)

GOOD THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A HEALING TATTOO:

Your tattoo will begin to scab/flake 1-3 days after the bandage has been removed. THIS IS NORMAL. The skin that’s been damaged during the tattooing processing is beginning to fall off so new undamaged skin can form. DO NOT pick, scratch, or wear irritating fabrics that will remove the scabs before they are ready. Scabs can remain on the tattoo for a couple days to a couple weeks, all normal. Please allow the tattoo to heal on its own time and allow the scabs to fall off when they are ready. They mostly come off during washing/lotioning.
Once all the scabs have fallen off your tattoo will appear a bit shiny, waxy - this is your new skin, and again this is a normal part of healing. This stage of healing can last the longest as your tattoo and new skin settles. Shiny/waxy texture may appear for 1-2 months. During this time it is also not uncommon to notice some raised skin, especially black lines or fill, again it’s just settling process.
If your tattoo is on a tender or difficult placement (inner limbs, ditches, bendy spots) it is very normal to see swelling and bruising in the area for up to a week afterwards. Take anti-inflammatories, ice the area, and keep it unbent and elevated as much as possible.
Tattoos take a full 3 months to be considered fully healed! Please be patient and allow your body to do its thing. The more you leave it alone and forget it about it, usually the better it heals.