Tattoo Aftercare
Tegaderm Healing Method
Leave the tegaderm on for 4-5 days. The duration will depend on your specific tattoo session, so please follow instructions given.
Remove the tegaderm in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove. Find an edge of the tegaderm and slowly pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so I don’t recommend it.
Clean your tattoo with Antibacterial soap. Do not use bar soap, loofahs, rags or sponges as they harbor bacteria. Lather with soap first, then wash using your palm, gently removing any slimy residue. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry.
Sparingly, but thoroughly, massage a very small amount of ointment into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but not smothered. Do this every four to six hours (washing before each application). Use just enough to give the tattoo a slightly satin shine, and blot with a clean paper towel. Your skin will take in all it needs, so do not leave excessive ointment on the skin. Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the ointment by blotting and air-drying after every washing.
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Traditional Healing Instructions
Clean your tattoo. Remove the bandage after three (3) hours, but no more than twelve (12). DO NOT remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse it well with cold water, thoroughly cleaning off all of the slimy coating that may have formed over the tattooed area while underneath the bandage. Gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry.
Apply healing ointment to the tattoo. Sparingly, but thoroughly, massage a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to give the tattoo a slightly satin shine, and blot with a clean paper towel. Your skin will take in all the ointment it needs, so do not leave excessive ointment on the skin. For the next three (3) to seven (7) days, clean and apply ointment to your tattoo every six (6) hours, (about 3-4 times daily), blotting the small amount of excess fluid that may be secreted from the tattoo in between cleaning. Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the ointment by blotting and air-drying after every washing. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel or become flakey, usually three (3) to seven (7) days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. AT ALL COSTS avoid picking at the cracked and flaking skin.
You are now in the peeling phase. DO NOT apply any more ointment. The area will become dry and itchy, sometimes very itchy. A good quality, fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm for Sensitive Skin) can now be used three (3) times daily INSTEAD of the ointment. Repeat each day until the skin returns to its normal texture. If you feel a heavier lotion is required to prevent over-drying in between application (physically dry to the touch and not just skin that feels tight), you may switch up to a heavier lotion like Lubriderm for Normal to Dry, or Dry Skin. If you get any pimples in the area tattooed during this phase, you need to decrease lotion application times or switch down to a lighter or different lotion.
SCABS are the body’s natural way of protecting wounds while they are healing. HOWEVER, it is very important to maintain the appropriate aftercare to PREVENT scabs from forming as they can prolong and complicate the healing process which can lead to uneven healing and even scarring.The first signs that may lead to scabbing often are moisture bubbles that appear during the first few days of a new tattoo, usually caused by negligent cleaning or the over application of ointment. At the first sign of these, clean the tattoo thoroughly and allow to completely dry. Do not waterlog (soak) the tattoo. Only apply ointment sparingly to the areas of the tattoo that do not have bubbles, allowing the bubbles to dry on their own.If scabs do form, once the tattoo is in the full peeling phase, sparingly apply lotion to the entire area making sure to thoroughly massage and not over apply or soak scabs with lotion. Any developed scabs should not be picked at or prematurely removed.
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If you notice any complications or have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out for further instruction.