Aftercare

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Healing Time: 2-3 weeks 

The following aftercare instructions are suggestions and should not replace the recommendations of a health care professional. If at any time you feel that the following suggestions are not adequate, or you are having adverse effects from any lotion, ointment, or soap discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.* IF there is an adverse effect during the tattooing procedure, basic first aid will be administered and/or 911 will be called.* 

What should I do today? 

• Remove bandage within 1-3 hours
• Wash your new tattoo in warm water with a mild antibacterial soap. Gently clean your tattoo with bare clean hands. Do not soak or scrub your tattoo.
• Gently pat dry with a lent-free paper towel (Do not rub) or let your tattoo air dry.
• Apply a VERY THIN layer of ointment. Ointment should be rubbed into the skin like lotion and always with clean hands.
• If re-bandaging is necessary, use a new sterile bandage or dressing; preferably a bandage that will allow your tattoo to breath. 

What should I do for the next week? 

• Wash your tattoo no more than twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) last in the shower with a mild antibacterial soap. 
• Rinse the area thoroughly. Remember: Do not scrub or soak your tattoo.
• Gently pat dry with a lent-free paper towel (Do not rub) or let your tattoo air dry.
• FIRST 3 DAYS: Apply a VERY THIN layer of ointment 1-2 times a day or when necessary. Ointment should be rubbed into the skin like lotion and always with clean hands. 
• After the first three days you may discontinue the use of ointment and start using a fragrance free lotion (Lubriderm, Curel, Aveeno, etc.) as needed. 

For the entire healing period: 

• Do Not submerge your tattoo in any body of water, this includes but is not limited to: swimming pools, rivers,lakes, oceans, ponds, hot tubs and bath tubs.
  Do Not apply anything other than the suggested ointment or lotion without first talking to your artist or health care professional. 
• Do Not pick at or scratch your tattoo. Doing so could result in a loss of pigment, scarring, and a risk of infection.
• Do Not apply alcohol, Vaseline, or Neosporin.
• Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds. Once your tattoo is healed sunscreen is highly suggested. 
• Make Sure any clothing or bedding that may come in contact with your tattoo is clean and soft. 
• Only touch your tattoo when applying ointment or lotion and always with clean hands.

Possible side effects: scabbing, rash/bumps, heat and discomfort, swelling. 

Suggested aftercare products:
Soap- Soft Soap or other mild antibacterial soap (NO dyes or perfumes)

Ointment- Aquaphor
Lotions- Lubriderm, Curel, Aveeno, etc. (NO dyes or perfumes) 

• Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3-24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours.
• To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin. 
• After removing, wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free. We recommend Soft Soap or another mild antibacterial soap.
• Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
• Apply a very thin layer of ointment to moisturize. After three days, switch to a fragrance free lotion as needed. Ointment/lotion should always be completely rubbed into the skin and applied with clean hands.
• If re-bandaging is necessary, use a new sterile bandage or dressing. If you choose to apply more Saniderm, you can leave it on the skin for 3-6 days. Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized. 

FAQ
How does a Saniderm tattoo bandage work? 

Saniderm minimizes the risk of infection by protecting your tattoo so it can heal through its own natural methods. Saniderm allows for your tattoo to breathe while protecting from environmental elements, unlike household plastic wrap. 

What is the fluid inside my bandage? 

Throughout the tattoo process, the lymphatic system will rush plasma filled with antibodies to the injured area of the skin, in an attempt to clear out excess ink and jumpstart healing. The tattoo will continue to weep fluid for up to 48 hours after your tattoo session. The fluid is a combination of excess ink, blood, and plasma. 

What do I do if my Saniderm is leaking? 

If fluid is leaking out of the bandage, this indicates a break in the seal of the adhesive. At this point, the tattoo is no longer being protective and is vulnerable to contaminants. Remove the bandage and clean your tattoo.