What to do after your tattoo!
Click here for a handy visual guide to the healing process of a tattoo, scroll down to the section for Saniderm –> Tattoo Healing Process.
Click here for a medically reviewed day by day guide to healing your tattoo –> Medical Tattoo Healing Process
- With a Saniderm or Recoveryderm bandage, please leave it on at least overnight and no longer than 3-4 days. To take off the bandage make sure you are in a warm shower, from an edge slowly start to pull the bandage off, using water and soap on the exposed skin as you go. You can try pulling It like a commando strip or peeling it off. When you get out of the shower, pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply Lubriderm. If you notice any leaking of fluids, please take it off immediately, wash it with antibacterial non-fragranced soap, pat dry and apply a small amount of lotion (Lubriderm) like you would apply normally. If you have an allergic reaction while the bandage is on, as in excess redness, hives, itching, please also take it off immediately in the shower or under running water. The bandage is waterproof so feel free to shower as normal, but avoid activities where you will sweat heavily as it can get trapped under your bandage or cause it to fall off prematurely. If your bandage comes off before 24 hours, please wash with antibacterial non-fragranced soap and pat dry it, but don’t apply lotion until at least 24-48 hours have passed so the ski has time to close up. After that time, you can wash, dry and lotion like mentioned below.
- If you left with a non-adherent pad wrapped with cling wrap, wear it overnight to protect it and stop the tattoo from oxygenating and creating thick scabs which could hurt your tattoo. If you need to remove the wrap before bed due to excessive fluids or it getting dirty or falling off, please wash with antibacterial non-fragranced soap and pat dry it, then apply a new piece for overnight if possible. The next morning remove the bandage and move to the next step.
- For the next couple of weeks use a fragrance free soap like Dial Gold to wash your tattoo 2-5 times a day depending on how much fluid/ink comes out and if it gets dirty, get the water warm and a nice soapy lather, wash the tattoo until the slimy texture washes off the surface of the new tattoo. Then pat (not rub) the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, do not use your bath or hand towel as it can harbor bacteria. Then apply a small amount of a fragrance free water-based lotion, Lubriderm is recommended, and lightly rub in until absorbed. If your tattoo feels tight, dry, “thirsty” or itchy, then you probably need to apply lotion more frequently with clean hands, never scratch at your tattoo or pick scabs as this can damage it. Try to not apply too thick of lotion, if there is excess, gently wipe it off. If your tattoo gets very painful, redness extending outward, excess swelling, crusting, please seek medical attention and contact your doctor. Feel free to send me photos if you have questions.
- Let the tattoo breathe, do not wear tight fitting clothes, straps, shoes, or jewelery around the tattoo or anything that will rub up on it while it is healing. This can cause damage to your tattoo and is not covered through the free touch-up.
- Please avoid Aquaphor, Vaseline, Neosporin and other ointments or oils like Vitamin E oil. Ointments specifically for tattoos are available, but use them at your own discretion as I cannot tell you how it will affect the healing process.
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in the bathtub or hot tub and dirty situations like lakes, pools, the ocean ect. This is an open wound and infections can be caused when bacteria comes into contact with it. Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight, always apply sunscreen after the wound has healed before any sun exposure for the rest of the life of the tattoo or the sun will break down the pigment and cause the tattoo to fade.