TATTOO AFTERCARE

 
 
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CLOSED METHOD - Transparent Medical Dressing (the new way)

If you have chosen to use a transparent medical dressing, such as Tegaderm, Saniderm or DermShield please follow these guidelines:

These products are sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barriers to protect your new tattoo. They will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of a healing tattoo. You can shower normally while healing, but please still abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in bodies of water for 2 weeks

1. Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm. Leave the original bandage on for about 7 days.

2. Remove your bandage slowly and carefully with warm water and gentle soap. Discard this Tegaderm. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Gently dry your tattoo.

3. You may have an adhesive residue that stays on the skin for a few days; do not scrub to remove this. Allow it to come off naturally.

4. For information on how to remove the bandage properly please visit the manufacturer’s website. Instructional videos on how to remove the bandage can also be found online, and there is one included below.

4. Important - Early Removal

  • If your bandage becomes filled with fluid because of a small gap or opening, it must be removed early. Tattoos cannot soak.

  • If you experience redness, irritation, or swelling around the edges of the bandage, you may be having an allergic reaction to the adhesive, and the bandage should be removed.

OPEN METHOD - Washing and ointment (the old way)

Tattoos take a couple of weeks to heal. They will scab over. The scabs will flake off. Your tattoo may be very itchy, but don't scratch or pick at it! Follow the directions your tattooist gives you. The following advice is not intended to replace that of a medical practitioner.

  • Remove the bandage anywhere from an hour to the next morning after getting your tattoo, depending on the instruction you receive. Please note this does not apply to transparent medical dressings such as Tegaderm, Saniderm, or Dermalize.

  • During the healing process, gently wash your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap. An unscented soap is recommended to avoid allergies to fragrance chemicals. Pat dry with a paper towel - don't rub. Cloth towels harbor bacteria. Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or A&D ointment until scabs flake off. After your tattoo has healed for about 4 days, apply a good quality moisturizing skin lotion to keep it healthy.

  • Don't soak in a tub or go swimming until your tattoo is fully healed; we suggest waiting 2 weeks to avoid the risk of infection or damage from soaking.

  • Sunlight will damage your tattoo. Keep it out of direct sunlight completely for 1 week. After 1 week you can begin to apply a sun block (with a high SPF) to your tattoo for the rest of your life.

When to see a clinician:

If you suspect infection, see a clinician because untreated infections can lead to further problems. Signs of infection include:

  • Tattoo: redness and burning beyond the normal healing period, blisters, or pus.

 
 

Transparent medical bandage removal