Tattoo Aftercare
Tegaderm, Recovery Derm Shield, Saniderm Instructions
This is our preferred method of healing. We recommend using a latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage for flawless healing when applicable. If you have an allergy to adhesives this method is not for you. Recovery Derm Shield, Saniderm, Tegaderm, H2Ocean's Dermalize are a few of the trusted brands. Recovery Derm Shield is our preferred brand. You can purchase these products on Amazon or directly from the manufacturer's websites.
Tip: The smaller rolls/pieces are easier to work with than the larger rolls/pieces.
Better Tip: Buy aftercare products BEFORE your appointment!
Instructions:
STEP 1: Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and a simple fragrance-free liquid soap using your fingertips. Do not use a washcloth to clean your new tattoo. Make sure to rinse all soap off leaving no soap residue behind. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Allow the area to air dry for 5 minutes. The skin must be dry for the product to adhere. DO NOT USE OINTMENT!
STEP 2: Cut the bandage to size with CLEAN scissors to avoid an infection! The bandage must have a margin of 1.5 to 2 inches all the way around your tattoo. The larger the margin the better.
STEP 3: Peel the paper backing off of the bandage exposing the adhesive. Place over your tattoo. Press it to the skin in the center and work outwards to minimize wrinkles and air bubbles. Press it down everywhere and make sure it's adhered properly, especially the edges. Once adhered to the skin, peel the plastic backing off at the marked lines or orange arrows. If you are layering pieces together you MUST peel the plastic backing off before applying the next piece. When layering overlap by 1.5 to 2 inches. Leave a minimum of 1.5" margin of bandage around your tattoo. It's ok to have SMALL air bubbles. Wear this piece for 5-6 days. If it fills up with fluid within the first 24 hours, repeat steps 1-3.
Removal: Start at the top and work downwards. Gently peel the bandage off by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Wash the tattoo and pat it dry. Apply a fragrance-free lotion 3 times a day for the next 14 days.
You can shower with it on, it is somewhat waterproof. When showering avoid washing the area with a washcloth. When drying off, pat the bandaging dry to avoid lifting the edges of the bandage. WEARING THIS BANDAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR SWIMMING!
Traditional Healing Method
1: Take bandage off after 1-4 hours and gently wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented LIQUID soap, using ONLY your fingertips. (Do NOT use a sponge, face towel, or anything similar.)
2: Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. (Do NOT wipe your tattoo).
3: Apply a VERY THIN coat of AQUAPHOR Healing Ointment or the tattoo aftercare product of your choice. Our favorite is Aquaphor. (You do NOT want it thick and glossy, if you apply too much take a clean paper towel and gently blot the excess away.) The ointment should leave a light shine, not a thick and greasy coat. Do this process of washing the tattoo and applying ointment every 3 hours or as often as needed to prevent the tattoo from forming a scab from drying body fluid, for 4 days. The idea behind this process is that you are washing away the fluids that will dry into a scab. Scabbing will damage the quality of your new tattoo.
4: Cover your tattoo during the first 3 nights of sleep with a layer of cling wrap to prevent scabbing and contact with bedding. Wash your tattoo first, apply a thin layer of ointment, wrap with cling wrap, tape it in place. Its best to wrap around the body part Vs taping a piece over the tattoo. If your tattoo forms a scab layer Do NOT scratch or pick your tattoo! Continue Aquaphor treatment until scab is gone. Severe scabbing may require switching to a Triple Antibiotic Ointment or Neosporin to minimize damage and prevent infection.
5: After 4 days of washing and ointment, switch to applying an UNSCENTED lotion several times a day for the 14 days or until your tattoo is completely healed. During this time your tattoo may become itchy and start to peel similar to sunburn, Do NOT use your fingernails to relieve itching. You may pat it, rub it, or apply lotion to relieve itching.
WHAT NOT TO DO
NO swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, bubble baths, or anything that submerges your tattoo under water for a long period of time until your tattoo is completely healed. (At least 2 weeks.) Showers are perfect. You risk a bacterial infection from submerging in any body of water.
NO tanning and keep it away from direct sunlight until your tattoo is completely healed. Sunblock with a SPF rating of 50 or higher on days you're in the sun will help your tattoo stay looking new for longer.
NO scracthing your new itchy tattoo! This will damage your new tattoo and negatively affect the quality. You can pat it, rub it, lotion it, wash it but no scratching it!
DO NOT allow your fresh tattoo to come into contact with dirty surfaces such as countertops, gym equipment, couch cushions, bedding, etc...
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or send us a message! (336-274-1010, triedandtruenc@gmail.com)