Aftercare
*These suggestions are supplied without liability.
First and foremost, always wash your hands with antibacterial soap prior to touching your tattoo when it is fresh!
SANIDERM
Follow these instructions if a clear film bandage was applied at the end of your appointment.
If given one piece of Saniderm:
Leave this piece on for 3-4 days, depending on amount of fluid collected under the bandage. It is normal to see some fluid under the bandage! Your tattoo may look muddy or hazy underneath. Excessive fluid will affect the adhesion of Saniderm.
After 3-4 days, remove Saniderm under warm running water, such as a shower. Find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself slowly and gently, in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on Saniderm can be painful. Never remove Saniderm without running water, this can cause abrasions on your skin!
Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap, pat dry with a paper towel. You may now apply a fragrance free moisturizer such as Lubriderm or Aveeno. Use a very thin layer so your tattoo can breathe. It should not feel wet or gooey.
Wash 1-2 times a day and apply your fragrance free moisturizer until your tattoo begins to peel or flake.
After your 2 week healing time, you may stop washing but keep using fragrance free lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).
If given two pieces of Saniderm:
Leave the first piece on for 8-24 hours, depending on amount of fluid collected under the bandage. Excessive fluid will affect the adhesion of Saniderm.
After 8-24 hours, remove Saniderm under warm running water, such as a shower. Find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself slowly and gently, in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on Saniderm can be painful. Never remove Saniderm without running water, this can cause abrasions on your skin!
Wash your new tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Do not use foaming soaps or bar soaps. Pat dry with a paper towel or air dry.
Apply your second piece of Saniderm directly after. Do not apply any moisturizes or lotions to the area, as they will affect the adhesion of Saniderm.
You can wear the second piece up to 5-7 days. It is normal to still see some fluid under the bandage! Your tattoo may look muddy or hazy underneath.
After 5-7 days, remove the second bandage the same as the first, under running water by pulling slowly and gently with the direction of hair growth.
Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap, pat dry with a paper towel. You may now apply a fragrance free moisturizer or lotion to your tattoo!
Wash once a day and moisturize as needed until the end of your 2 week healing time. You may still peel or flake, you may not!
After your 2 week healing time, you may stop washing but keep using fragrance free moisturizer or lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).
Saniderm is waterproof, so you may take showers while wearing it, but please limit your exposure to water. You may have redness around the edges of your bandage, or if your bandage is on a crease/bend in the skin. If you notice any type of allergic reaction, rash, excessive fluid from the tattoo, burning, or acne, take off your Saniderm IMMEDIATELY! Do not exercise while wearing Saniderm, as your sweat will be trapped under the bandage. Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and sun bathing still applies! Please do not hesitate to contact me if with any questions about your healing.
TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE
If you have sensitive skin, or any type of allergy to adhesives/bandages then I will advise you to follow traditional after care instructions:
I will apply a temporary wrap to the area that you will keep on for 2 hours to protect your new tattoo while your pores close.
After two hours, remove your wrap in a clean environment with clean hands.
Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Do not use foaming soaps or bar soaps. Pat dry with a paper towel or air dry.
You may now apply a fragrance free moisturizer to your tattoo such as Aquaphor. Use a very thin layer so your tattoo can breathe. It should not feel wet or gooey.
Repeat the last two steps 2-3 times a day for the first week or until your tattoo begins to peel/flake.
After the first week, or when your tattoo begins to peel or flake, minimize your washing to 1-2 times a day and switch to an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm for the remainder of your 2 week healing time.
After your 2 week healing time, you may stop washing but keep using fragrance free moisturizer or lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).
No pools, hot tubs, or sunbathing for 2 weeks. You may take showers but please limit water exposure outside of washing. Please wait to exercise until your tattoo has healed to prevent rubbing and overworking of the skin. If you notice small red bumps that are sometimes itchy, you may be over-caring for your tattoo or sensitive to your moisturizer/lotion. If this happens, slow down on the washing and use a gentle unscented lotion. Simple is best!