Healing tips to make your tattoo last
Healing your tattoo with Tegaderm
Your artist will give you the option to heal your tattoo with a breathable adhesive bandage called Tegaderm (also known as Saniderm) If you choose to use this bandage for your healing process, here are some tips:
1) Leave this bandage on for 5-7 days, closer to a week if possible is preferred.
2) Your bandage can get wet in the shower, but do not fully submerge bandage (i.e. hot tubs or baths).
3) For the first few days, avoid any exercise that could lead to excessive sweating. This will help keep sweat from accumulating under the bandage.
4) Be aware that a fluid/film of excess ink and plasma will accumulate under the bandage. It may leak out from a corner of the bandage. The fluids should dry up under the wrap in about 2-3 days and leave a fuzzy film. Don’t worry, that is perfectly normal and won’t hurt the tattoo!
5) When the time comes to remove the bandage, carefully remove it from one corner and pull across the surface of the skin to release the adhesive. Slowly and carefully roll the bandage off and then wash the tattoo well with soap and water. We recommend doing this step in the shower.
6) After your Tegaderm has been removed, your tattoo will still require some maintenance. It will be close to healed, but not fully. We recommend moisturizing the skin 2-3 times a day for about another week after the bandage has been removed.
Healing your tattoo without Tegaderm
Tattoo Day 1
After completing tattoo, your artist will apply a thin layer of ointment to the skin and wrap the location in a bandage, attaching it to the skin with medical tape.
Leave this bandage on for approximately one (1) hour. After the hour, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Do not touch new tattoo with unwashed hands!
Once hands are clean, carefully remove bandage and wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial hand soap.
Let skin air dry, or pat clean with clean paper towel.
Once tattoo is clean and dry, you may apply a thin layer of ointment to skin.
The first day is important for aftercare, as your body will be pushing plasma to the surface to attempt to begin healing the skin. Clean the area well and reapply ointment at least three times a day. Make sure to wash tattoo between each new application of ointment and apply the ointment in a thin, even, layer.
DO NOT RE BANDAGE TATTOO!
DO NOT FULLY SUBMERGE THE NEW TATTOO IN WATER! Showering is okay, but baths or swimming are not suggested for at least 3 weeks.
Tattoo Day 2 - 10
Each person heals differently, and each tattoo also heals differently. As a rule of thumb, most tattoos will develop scabs or flaky skin. These form as your body works to heal the skin that was opened and replace it with new skin.
In this stage, it is crucial to maintain the routine of washing and applying ointment to the skin three (3) times a day.
DO NOT PICK SCABS - generally these will soften and fall off in the shower or throughout the day on their own. Your body knows how to heal the skin, and touching and picking the scabs will prolong healing and potentially damage the tattoo.
Depending on the piece, most tattoos will be done scabbing around the seven to ten day mark. Continue to keep the skin clean and moisturized.
Tattoo Day 11 - 30
In this period of healing, the skin will no longer be scabby or flaky, but will develop a shiny or milky appearance. This means the tattoo is skin healing and the top layer of skin is regenerating and repairing itself. By now, changing to a non-scented, alcohol free lotion will help hydrate the skin and aid in healing. By around the 30 day mark, the tattoo should be fully healed and the skin should be back to its original condition, just more colorful!
Recommended Care Products
If you have any questions regarding the healing of your tattoo, or the aftercare process - please text or call (330) 993-0077