Aftercare

If your artist applies tegaderm (aka saniderm or second skin) to your tattoo, please follow these instructions:

• Keep the tegaderm on your tattoo for 3-5 days.

• Tegaderm traps liquid in, so don't be alarmed if your tattoo looks "muddy" or if a pocket of fluid builds up.

Take your Tegaderm off early if:

• If any liquid comes out of the tegaderm, it must be removed as soon as possible.

• If the tegaderm peels back and exposes your tattoo, take it off.

• If you have a burning or painful sensation, remove it immediately.

Keep in mind that your tattoo needs to be covered for the first 3 nights when you sleep. If the tegaderm comes off early, please use the plastic wrap method (below).

• Remove the tegaderm slowly in a hot shower after 3-5 days. Proceed with a daily wash and apply a light, unscented lotion 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed (about 2-3 weeks). We recommend Aveeno unscented lotion.

Getting your tegaderm wet in the shower is fine, but no baths or submerging it under water for long periods of time.

• Wait until the evening or morning after getting tattooed to apply the tegaderm. and refer to the info in the “plastic wrap...healing method” below to protect your tattoo for the first night.

• Wash and dry your tattoo. Wipe the tattoo area with rubbing alcohol and let it fully dry. With clean hands, apply the tegaderm to clean, dry skin with a 1" border around the tattoo.

• Keep the tegaderm on your tattoo for 3-4 days unless it leaks, exposes the tattoo or feels uncomfortable.

Tegaderm traps liquid in, so don't be alarmed if your tattoo looks "muddy" or if a pocket of fluid builds up. If any liquid comes out of the tegaderm, it must be removed as soon as possible. If you have a burning sensation, remove it immediately.

Keep in mind that your tattoo needs to be covered for the first 3 nights when you sleep. If the tegaderm comes off early, please use the plastic wrap method (below) to keep your tattoo healing properly.

• Remove the tegaderm slowly in a hot shower after 3-4 days. Proceed with a daily wash and apply a light, unscented lotion 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed.

Getting your tegaderm wet in the shower is fine, but no baths or submerging it under water for long periods of time.

• Remove your bandage four hours after getting tattooed.

• With clean hands, wash your tattoo with unscented soap and warm water (I like Dove soap in a hand pump). Pat dry with a clean towel and let it air out for 15 minutes before applying a very small amount of Aquaphor*.

• Wrap your tattoo for the first 3 nights while sleeping and for 6-8 hours the day after getting tattooed (I like to book-end the day with 3 hours of air, morning and night).

To Wrap: Clean & dry your tattoo then cover with plastic wrap and use tape to secure. You don’t need to use Aquaphor when you are wrapping the tattoo.

• Take the plastic off first thing in the morning to wash, dry and moisturize with a small amount of Aquaphor.

• Wrap your tattoo for the first 3 nights and the 2nd day after getting tattooed.

After the third night, discontinue wrapping the tattoo and discontinue the use of Aquaphor.

• Continue to wash your tattoo and moisturize with a light unscented lotion like Aveeno 2-3 times a day. Do not use a thick lotion like Eucerin or shea butter.

Healing takes about 3 weeks and is done once the tattoo no longer looks dry and flaky.

*Alternative healing techniques should be discussed with your artist. If you don't like Aquaphor, check in with your artist about alternatives.

For pain management, we recommend Tylenol. Avoid medications like Ibuprofen, Advil, Asprin or other blood thinners.

After the session, some people find that icing their tattoo (with a barrier) can provide relief. Generally, this is considered safe as long as you’re not experiencing a burning sensation.

• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

• No picking or scratching.

• No exposure to prolonged sunlight.

• Don’t submerge it in water. Getting the tattoo wet in the shower is fine, but no baths, swimming or chlorine.

• No sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed.