Aftercare

The first few days and weeks are the most important for your fresh tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly. Below is the healing procedure and do’s and don’ts we recommend. Every one is different, this may not always be the best recommendation for you. We recommend you follow the advice of your tattoo artist or seek the advice of a doctor first.

Saran Wrap Instructions

• Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 2 to 10 hours. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your new tattoo.
• Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly before you remove the bandage.
• After removing the bandage, cleanse the tattooed area with unscented soap and water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel (this should not be done until the tattoo has fully healed). The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.
• Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean, sterile towel.
• Let the tattoo dry completely.
• Lightly rub on hand lotion such as Aquaphor (a little goes a long way).
• You do not need to re-bandage.
• Repeat steps above for three-four days, approximately six times a day to avoid drying out your tattoo.

Saniderm Instructions

Saniderm is a low maintenance tattoo bandage that will collect any blood and plasma and will help your tattoo stay clean and heal faster.

• Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. If you experience leaking, the bandage can be removed – please follow the Saran Wrap instructions from this point forward.
• After 3-5 days, remove the Saniderm under running water or in the shower and follow Saran Wrap instructions for maintenance. To remove, pull the saniderm down across the skin and not up and away from the skin. (Similar to removing 3M Tape products.)
• Do not submerge your tattoo for at least 2 weeks to avoid any potential infections (showering is okay).
• You may be experiencing an allergic reaction if a red outline forms along the edges of the Saniderm, please remove the bandage and follow Saran Wrap instructions.

Whether you choose Saran Wrap or Saniderm, you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing which is absolutely normal. Do not pick at your tattoo when it becomes itchy; this result in splotchy areas and a poorly healed tattoo.

Consult a physician if you experience symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, yellow/green discharge or fever.

Final DO’s and DON’Ts