Aftercare
Saniderm Aftercare Instructions
✯ Your artist will apply a SANIDERM patch - also called tegaderm, dynarex, tatuderm, transparent medical dressing - to your tattoo before you leave the shop (unless you have a latex or adhesive allergy or your tattoo is in a spot where the saniderm will not properly adhere)
✯ Leave this on for 24 hours. If after the first 24 hours the saniderm is still well-adhered without an excess of fluid accumulated under the bandage you may leave it on for a total of 3-5 days. If after 24 hours the original saniderm patch is NOT still well-adhered, or if a large amount of fluid has accumulated underneath you should remove it and replace with a fresh piece of saniderm (or you can choose to remove it and continue healing with traditional healing methods explained below). Leave this new saniderm patch on for 3-5 more days.
✯ Saniderm is shower safe, just make sure water does not get inside of the bandage or it will have to be removed. Saniderm is NOT safe for swimming or bathing.
✯ If at any time the bandage peels back, exposing the tattoo or excess fluid begins to leak from the bandage it must be removed, cleaned, and either replaced or continue healing with traditional healing methods.
✯ If at any time you suspect you may be having an allergic reaction to the saniderm it should be removed and continue with traditional healing methods.
✯ I recommend gently removing the saniderm in the shower. There may be an imprint of your tattoo on the bandage when you remove it, this is just excess ink that leaked out during healing.
Traditional Aftercare Instructions
✯ After you remove the saniderm dressing, thoroughly clean the tattoo with an unscented ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP and warm water then let the tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
✯ Once the tattoo is completely dry apply a very thin layer of OINTMENT. You want just enough to moisten the tattoo, but not so much that it cannot breathe. I generally advise against any petroleum based ointment like aquaphor as a lot of people tend to have issues with them.
✯ Wash with antibacterial soap once in the morning and once at night (or more if you get the tattooed area dirty), drying and applying ointment after each wash. Continue washing with antibacterial soap until the tattoo completely heals over and begins to flake (usually 4-7 days after your appointment).
✯ After the tattoo begins to flake you may continue moisturizing with ointment or you may switch to any UNSCENTED LOTION.
✯ Your tattoo should be healed within 2-4 weeks.
DO NOT
✯ Do not submerge your healing tattoo. No baths, swimming, hot tubs, saunas, etc for 4 weeks after your tattoo appointment. This is a very easy way to get an infection and people can and have died from doing this. It is better not to risk it.
✯ Do not expose your healing tattoo to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Sun exposure can affect the healing process. It is not safe to use sunscreen on your tattoo until it is completely healed, so it is best to avoid sun exposure until your tattoo is healed.
✯ Do not use Neosporin, Vaseline, or products with fragrances to heal your tattoo.
✯ Do not exercise right after your tattoo appointment. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least the first day after getting a tattoo, possibly longer depending on the size and extensiveness of the tattoo. Basically if your tattoo is still sore just take it easy for a few days and let your body focus on healing.
✯ Do not pick at your tattoo. Tattoos may flake or scab as part of their healing process. Do your best to just clean, moisturize, and then leave them alone. Like any other injury, the more you mess with it the longer it will take to heal.
Healing Tips
✯ Anytime your healing tattoo feels too dry you may reapply a thin layer of ointment or lotion.
✯ When you shower try to keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the water as much as possible as the prolonged water exposure will “soften” the healing layer of skin overtop of your tattoo and it will have to reheal. Make sure your tattoo is the last thing you wash before you get out of the shower to make sure there is no bodywash/shampoo residue on your skin.
✯ Tattoos itch A LOT when they are healing. Do not scratch them. Applying a thin layer of ointment or unscented lotion can help alleviate it.
Is This Normal?
✯ My tattoo is hot, sore, swollen or bruised! Yes, this is normal. Some lucky people don’t feel any of these symptoms after being tattooed, some only experience mild symptoms, but for others the tattooing process is a little tougher on their skin/bodies and that’s totally fine. Just prepare to take it easy in the days following your tattoo appointment.
✯ My tattoo is leaking fluid! Yes, this is normal. After getting tattooed your body begins the healing/immune response like it would with any other injury. The leaking fluid you see is blood plasma mixed with excess ink and is totally normal. What is NOT normal is if your tattoo is leaking pus. Plasma is fluid and usually clear or the color of the tattoo ink used in your tattoo, pus is only semi-fluid and usually yellow or greenish in color.
✯ My tattoo is flaking and/or scabbing! Yes, this is normal. While some tattoos may not flake or scab at all, it is completely normal if yours does. A tattoo is basically a wound and anything you would consider normal for a wound to do while healing is also normal for a tattoo.
✯ My tattoo is very red and irritated! This may or may not be normal. The first few days after the tattoo? Sure, normal. Five days or more after the tattoo appointment? Maybe not normal. First look at how much ointment you are applying, applying too much can lead to irritation. If you cut back on ointment and it is STILL irritated then ask these questions: Is it “angry” looking? Is it still leaking? Is it VERY scabby? Is it hot and sore to the touch even more so than the days after you first got the tattoo? If the answer is yes you should definitely contact your artist with a picture to see what they think and you should also be prepared to talk to a doctor in case of possible infection.
✯ Keep in mind that most things people worry themselves over are normal and usually any sort of problem or infection is VERY obvious. Everyone heals differently, some people heal extremely easily and quickly, but for others it's a bit more of an extensive process. That being said - if you have any questions or concerns at all about your healing process don’t hesitate to ask!