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Tattoo aftercare instructions

Tattoo aftercare instructions

Each artist choose their preferred method of aftercare. Take the time to discuss the artists preferred method and review the instructions below.

Tagaderm, saniderm, etc,

  • A thin film with hypoallergenic, latex free, gentle adhesive with a good holding power. It is a breathable, waterproof, and comfortable transparent barrier.
  • Breathable: This product allows oxygen in and moisture vapor out which allows the skin to function as normal.
  • Waterproof barrier: It is impervious to liquids, blood, body fluids, bacteria, and viruses. It can be won to bathe, and shower as normal.
  • Comfortable and transparent: Th product will stretch wit the skin for comfort and movement and put no stress on the skin. It will protect your tattoo from rubbing, and everyday abrasions. I will allow a window into the healing of your tattoo. It prevents scab formation while enhancing your healing process. You will notice slight fluid buildup under the derm (looks like soy sauce). NO WORRIES! This is normal.
  • Gentle Adhesive: DO NOT USE IF ALERGIC TO TAPES OR BANDAGES.
  • The film itself is hypoallergenic and latex free. This may cause a reaction if you are allergic to medical adhesives and latex. The hypoallergenic adhesive makes the derm ideal for moist conditions such as bathing and showering. The tattoo will remain moist during the healing process, so that the derm does not stick to the tattoo itself.

Instructions:

  • Initial application is to stay in place for 3-5 days.
  • Shower as normal. but avoid a shower puss on the area while derm is being used. Pat the area dry after bathing and carry on normally otherwise.
  • Small amounts of wound exudates may accumulate under the derm, and is expected during the normal healing process. If the adhesive fails and leaks fluid, remove derm and continue healing with normal aftercare.
  • Removing the derm: grasp one edge and slowly peel back against itself (shower preferred) in the direction of hair growth rather than pulling it up from the skin.
  • Continue to keep tattoo moisturized and enjoy.

Dry Healing

Your artist will bandage you when finished. Leave your bandage on for 1-2 hours. When removing the bandage, you may notice a shiny coat has formed, which is normal. Ensure you clean your tattoo using warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. (Dial Gold is recommended) Pat dry or leave to air drive. The tattoo can remain unwrapped throughout the day, avoid excessive contact with fabric. For the first three days wrapping is recommend prior to going to bed. Your body will lose fluid or Lymph during the initial days. Wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap making sure your new tattoo is completely dry before wrapping. Wrapping will avoid Lymph from sticking to sheets or closes, which can cause irritation. Wrapping will promote quicker healing as well as reduce irritation.

​During the day, apply a mild moisturizer (unscented hand lotion- no perfume) or healing ointment to your tattoo. Keep lightly applying the ointment until your tattoo peels which will occur in three to seven days. Once your tattoo enters into the peeling phase, stop applying moisturizer or ointment. If bubbles form on your tattoo, is is due to excessive moisture- STOP APPLYING THE MOISTURIZER/OINTMENT, let it peel on its own.

Protect your investment. Do not submerge in a bath, pool, hot tub, ocean, lake, or stream. Avoid direct exposure to sun, tanning beds, gym, dirt or anything that would be considered unsanitary. The tattoo should be considered an open wound, that must be kept clean. Do not scratch.

Wrap Healing

Less conventional than dry healing, wrapping can often be recommended for larger tattoos. Leave your bandages on for at least 3-4 hours, not to exceed 12 hours. Clean your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap (Dial Gold recommended) with warm water. Air dry with new tattoo for 15 minutes MINIMUM, making sure it is completely dry. Wrap up the tattoo with plastic wrap. DO NOT use any moisturizers, ointments or lotions.

​Wash your tattoos every 4-6 hours. Sweat is your enemy, and it is hard not to sweat when you are wrapped in plastic. After washing, pat dry with a clean cloth, prior to wrapping with new plastic. This regiment will need to be repeated for at least 3-5 days. Your new tattoo will start to peel within those 3-5 days, flaking similar to a sunburn. Once the flaking begins, wrapping will need to stop. Treat the dry and itchy skin with no-additive moisturizer, and no scratching. Your skin texture will return to normal as your tattoo heals.

​Moisture rashes happens when there is too much moisture left on the skin that is wrapped. Ingrown hairs can also be uncomfortable during healing. The most import thing with either healing methods can be, remain consistent, don’t be shy about contacting your tattoo artist with any questions. No questions to small or too weird.