Tattoo Aftercare

Saniderm/tegaderm instructions

 

Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. Saniderm is engineered to be permeable to gasses, like oxygen. These bandages alleviate many of the pitfalls that come with other tattoo healing methods. Primarily, Saniderm drastically reduces the risk of contaminants entering the wound site of a fresh tattoo. Wearing Saniderm protects the area from unwanted shear/friction and allows the body to keep itself moisturized. Plus, it conveniently eliminates sessions of washing and applying aftercare to a new tattoo.

 

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You can perform all your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Saniderm. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.

 

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Showering will not affect Saniderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normally while healing. Do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed, however.

 

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You may notice ink and plasma building up underneath the bandage. This is a normal part of the healing process. You may leave the bandage on for up to 5 days. If fluid begins to leak outside of the bandage, you may remove it, but it is not recommended that you remove it before 24 hours have elapsed.

 

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After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm by carefully peeling it back off of your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.

 

 

 

After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, and then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while doing so. Do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.

 

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After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. For the next 7-10 days, apply a thin coat of hand lotion (use a non-scented, colorless lotion such as Lubriderm) when it feels tight, dry or itchy-otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. There should be no scabbing, though a few layers of flaky peeling are normal.

 

General Instructions

 

Following your session, your artist will clean your tattoo and apply a bandage or wrap. Within 2 hours, remove the bandage and gently wash your tattoo with water and antibacterial soap. Use a clean towel or paper towel and pat dry- do not scrub! Continue to wash your tattoo twice per day for the next 2 weeks.

 

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Apply a thin layer of either Aquaphor or unscented lotion (depending on your artist's instructions) as needed to relieve dryness and itching, for the next 2 weeks. Take care not to over moisturize your tattoo.

 

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If scabs form over your tattoo, do not pick or scratch and allow them to fall off naturally.

 

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Keep your tattoo away from any potential sources of bacteria while it is healing. Gym benches, mats, and equipment are a common source of bacteria, so we recommend that you avoid exposure to these for at least a week.

 

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Avoid using soaps or lotions with fragrance, as this may irritate your tattoo.

 

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Avoid tight fitting clothing over the tattoo and excessive friction while it is healing.

 

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Avoid direct exposure to the sun while your tattoo is healing. Do not apply sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed.

 

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Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (e.g. bath, pool, ocean) for the next 2 weeks. Limit your time in the shower to what is necessary.