SANIDERM

 

By far the least complicated of my three methods, Leave the wrap on for 96 hours minimum (4 days). If removed during that time frame, begin the conventional method with cleaning, and switch from aquaphor to lotion when the tattoo begins peeling. If the bandage is left on for the full 96 hours, simply remove it, keep the tattoo clean, and use lotion as needed whenever the tattoo dries out fully. 

The tattoo was cleaned properly before bandaging, so you don’t need to clean it while the bandage is on. Saniderm allows the tattoo to breathe, but it is also a moisture barrier; as such, it is water resistant, but that also means that any excess ink, blood or plasma that seeps out of a new tattoo will be trapped inside. This is normal. If a pool of fluid does become trapped inside the bandage – not a quarter sized bubble, but half dollar or larger – you may use scissors to cut a small hole in the bandage to drain the fluid. After draining, RE-SEAL the Saniderm using the spare piece given to you at the studio. Alternatively, the spare saniderm can also be used to seal fraying edges, and should you need more you can purchase “Tegaderm” at Walgreens or CVS. In any case, use your best judgement. 

If your bandage becomes torn, is leaking excessively, etc. please  contact me at the studio so I can go over how to proceed – if you can’t reach me in a timely manner for whatever reason, remove wrap and use the conventional healing method.

 Do your best not to sweat excessively – work is fine, but avoid the gym while using Saniderm. It can be left on during the shower as well, but this does not mean you should submerge the tattoo in water for a prolonged period of time through a bath or swimming.

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CONVENTIONAL HEALING

Remove the bandage after 2 hours, but no more than 12. Don’t remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it well, cleaning off any plasma or slimy buildup. Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel (never re-use a towel as it will hold bacteria) then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment.

Apply Aquaphor ointment or a specialty tattoo-healing product to the tattoo as needed, massaging a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess.

For the first few days treat your tattoo like the open wound it is. Clean it 2-3 times daily, or more often if the area gets sweaty or dirty, and then apply ointment as needed. Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the ointment, by blotting and air-drying after each washing. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-4 days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At this point simply keep the tattoo clean, and begin to use a scent free, dye free lotion as needed. Always let the tattoo dry out completely before applying more lotion.

The healing tattoo should never stay submerged in water.  Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers until the tattoo has finished peeling. It’s also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments. All normal activities involving water or sun exposure can usually be resumed after 10-14 days, when the tattooed skin feels normal.

NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good quality, fragrance-free lotion can now be used until the skin returns to its normal texture.

Any time your tattoo is exposed to the sun after its done healing you should use a minimum of SPF 45 sunblock.

WET HEALING

**DO NOT USE THIS METHOD UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED**

*Please read through the entire process before using it*

This is the less conventional method, and tends to work well for larger tattoos, as well as tattoos in awkward areas that will be covered with clothing, as this can cause irritation. If you find that your tattoos have healed poorly in the past, this method may be an effective alternative.

Remove your bandage after about 2 hours, and clean it with mild soap and warm water as in Method 1.  After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel (again, never re use towels as they hold bacteria!)  then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes. When the tattoo is dry to the touch, apply a very thin amount of Aquaphor or specialty tattoo aftercare to the tattoo – just enough to make it shiny, and then blot off the excess with a paper towel. Then over it completely with a NEW piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place.

With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, for as long as it takes to peel—usually 3 to 5 days. It’s important to wash the tattoo every 4-6 hours or after any period of sweating, letting it completely air-dry afterwards, and applying a new piece of plastic wrap each time. This 6 hour time window to change the wrap is not a guideline, it’s a rule – leaving the wrap on for too long can lead to moisture rash. Also the wrap should not be left off for more than 30 mins at a time. It’s also important not to over-wrap the area, unnecessarily covering untattooed skin can trap excess moisture.  The same precautions as Method 1 regarding water and sunlight apply to this method as well.

When the peeling begins after 2-4 days, the tattooed skin will bubble and flake exactly like a sunburn. NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin.  When the whole tattoo has FULLY entered the peeling phase, discontinue the plastic wrap. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good quality, fragrance-free lotion can now be used until the skin returns to its normal texture.

As mentioned before, moisture can be very detrimental to the healing process. Too much plastic wrap on the surrounding untattooed skin—or not changing the wrap often enough—can lead to development of a moisture rash. This will appear as bright red irritation with tiny pimples around the effected area, and will likely feel painful and itchy.  If this happens, do not re-wrap the tattoo or try to medicate it.  Instead, let it dry completely and peel on its own.  Apply lotion to the area once irritation has diminished.

*A combination of methods 2 and 3 is NOT recommended. Please only use one or the other.*
 

**In any case, your safety is my first concern. If anything abnormal occurs, please consult your doctor immediately**