AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
adhesive bandage (dermshield, tegaderm, saniderm) method:
How to apply the adhesive bandage:
Clean and dry the new tattoo and surrounding skin, and do not apply any lotions or ointments. Before starting the adhesive bandage process, make sure the entire area has been shaved, plus an additional inch all the way around the site of the tattoo, as this will help with bandage adhesion and removal.
Cut the adhesive tattoo aftercare bandage to allow at least 1 inch of the bandage to be in contact with undamaged skin around the tattooed area. More room is suggested in highly mobile areas.
Practice before you apply. If it's your first time using this type of bandage, it may be a little tricky to work with. It doesn't hurt to practice with a small section first–just make sure you shave the area.
To use the bandage, first peel off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive side. Gently apply the bandage adhesive side down, using light pressure. The bandage should lay smooth across the skin, with minimal air bubbles. For best results, ensure that the skin is in a neutral position–not overly stretched out or overly wrinkled.
Once it’s fully adhered to the tattooed area and surrounding skin, remove the clear plastic backing by looking for the printed arrows or seams, leaving only the adhesive bandage layer on the skin. It's okay when using multiple bandages on large tattoos, to overlap them by 1/2 inch (1 cm). Ensure the bandage is sealed to the skin all the way around the tattoo.
Once it’s applied:
Wear the first bandage for 12-48 hours, depending on how much the tattoo weeps or how well it remains sealed to the skin. If a lot of plasma and blood collects inside the sealed bandage or it starts to peel off, it’s necessary to remove it, clean and dry the tattoo, and reapply a new bandage sooner than if there is very little fluid in the bandage. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.
To remove the adhesive bandage, carefully peel up from one corner, slowly massaging the adhesive bandage off of the skin. Make sure you peel the bandage down/up the skin, rather than away from the skin. This step may be uncomfortable but careful removal can minimize the discomfort. Removal under warm soapy water, such as in the shower, can also help minimize discomfort. Clean and dry the area, and if using a glycerin based soap, be sure to rinse thoroughly, as any residue will react with the adhesives and can cause binding and irritation. Avoid loofahs or scratchy wash cloths.
Troubleshooting: Problems with this healing method are very similar to those that can occur with the plastic wrap method. If the tattoo becomes exceptionally painful, with irritated skin around it or a foul odor, immediately remove the bandage and discontinue use. If pain or odor continues to increase, the tattoo may be infected, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Plastic Wrap method:
Remove your bandage after 3-12 hours, and clean it with mild soap and warm water. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air dry for 15 minutes. When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do not use any healing ointment or moisturizer, only plastic wrap over your cleaned and dried skin.
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 discard the wrapping and 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. It’s also important not to over-wrap the area, unnecessarily covering untattooed skin, which can trap excess moisture and body heat.
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 (gyms, pet dander or saliva, etc.) with clothing or by simply avoiding certain activities, as it’s still an open wound for 3-5 days until the skin has peeled. All normal activities involving water, sun exposure, or dirty environments can usually be resumed after one week.
When the peeling begins after 3-5 days, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At all costs avoid picking at the cracked and flaking skin. When the 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.
Troubleshooting: 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.
Remember that until your new tattoo peels, it’s an open wound, and needs to be treated as one. Give your tattoo the time and attention it needs to properly heal. Engaging in actions such as swimming, tanning, removing the bandage early, and general disregard for it, are done at your own risk. If you suspect an infection has developed, please seek medical attention immediately, as untreated tattoo infections can have very serious health consequences.
Happy healing! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns throughout the healing process. I’m happy to help!