Aftercare
It is likely I gave you a bandage called Saniderm….
Saniderm is a clear adhesive bandage that will act as an instant scab. It will help promote healing and allow an easier recovery with your tattoo. You may notice some fluid build-up underneath the bandage. That is normal. It is a mixture of blood, ink, and plasma.
What do I do with it?
You will leave the bandage on for 4/5 days. Your tattoo will likely feel like a bruise or a sunburn for that duration of time. If it hurts for longer than that, please let me know.
After 3-4 days you will take off the bandage. There is a very small chance that the adhesive may irritate your skin. If this happens you will notice the skin around the bandage turn red. If that happens, take the Saniderm off but don’t panic! It won’t harm your tattoo. Just continue with your aftercare as usual.
If I gave you a second piece of Saniderm, take the first piece off after 24 hours. Wash it with a mild hand pump soap, no bar soap or body wash, and warm water. DO NOT lotion. Putting lotion on before the second piece of Saniderm could result in irritation of the skin underneath. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, NO washcloths, and then put your second piece on for 4 days.
If the Saniderm peels up and exposes the tattoo before the 3-4 days is up, take it off and continue with aftercare like usual.
I took it off. Now what?
You took off the Saniderm now you will continue with usual aftercare. Wash your tattoo with a mild soap and warm water. Wash your tattoo 2 times a day. No bar soap or body wash. Bar soap can harbor bacteria. If you have sensitive skin, get something unscented and fragrance free.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use washcloths. No matter how clean you think they are, they still will harbor bacteria.
After you wash your tattoo you will want to lotion 2-3 times a day. Make sure you are using an unscented and water-based hand pump lotion. Please do not use jar lotions. Jars can very easily be contaminated with bacteria. Stick to your hand pump soaps and lotions!
Please avoid working out for 3-4 days after you get tattooed. Working out raises your blood pressure which could potentially push ink out of your skin. Enjoy your lazy days!
NO SOAKING FOR TWO WEEKS, especially lakes, pools, oceans, hot tubs, etc. including baths! Showering is fine but no soaking of any kind. Please avoid scheduling appointments before vacations. There is no way around this. Even with the Saniderm, avoid soaking your tattoo.
What to expect while healing…
While your tattoo is healing, you’ll notice some scabbing. As the tattoo heals, these scabs will start to peel and fall off naturally. The skin may come off in large flakes, especially with color. All of the peeling is totally normal and this is part of the healing process. It may look patchy and dry as the skin flakes off. This is not affecting the outcome of your tattoo and this is normal. Keep it clean and moisturized and it will be fine. It will be extremely itchy, that is also normal. Do not scratch it! Picking off the scabs prematurely can result in ink falling out and your tattoo could heal with patches of missing ink. If you let the scabs naturally run its course, your tattoo will heal perfectly fine.
Your tattoo should be completely healed after two weeks.
Please make sure to follow all instructions that are given. It will ensure that the healing of your new ink goes smoothly and results in a beautifully healed tattoo! I will gladly answer any questions that you may have. I am just an email away!
Enjoy your new piece of art! It is an investment, nurture it! Make sure to continue to keep it moisturized. If you will be in the sun, put sunscreen on it. Both of these things will help your tattoo look as good as new for a lifetime!