Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
* * *
Saniderm / Tegaderm Bandage Instructions
1. Once the bandage has been placed on your new tattoo it can stay on for approximately 24hrs - do not exceed 2 days. If your tattoo bandage begins to form large bubbles of liquid underneath then take it off immediately and clean the area. It is not good for a new tattoo to be wet. The most crucial time period for a new tattoo is the first 24hrs so it is recommended to wear the bandage to bed if possible and remove the next day. Sleeping with an new unbandaged tattoo can lead to it leaking liquid on your sheets and ultimately damaging the tattoo.
2. When ready to remove this bandage do so under warm water in the sink while gently pulling the edges of the bandage away from itself. Pulling the bandage away from itself is the least painful method and should be done slowly. Do not rip the bandage off like a bandaid, this will hurt you and the tattoo.
3. Clean the tattoo with a mild unscented soap under warm water, while gently rubbing off any blood or liquid. Then pat dry (do not rub) with a paper towel; avoid using a towel to do this unless it is a fresh one. You can also let it air dry.
4. Once the tattoo has dried leave it and you can apply a small amount of unscented lotion once or twice a day until healed. Do not use Vasaline or any thick lotions that will not allow the tattoo to breathe.
5. If your tattoo is red around the edges and hurts to touch it could be infected. Don't panic, keep it clean and dry. Once or twice a day (maximum) you can apply a thin layer of Original Polysporin to the area until the redness has subsided.
6. Healing a new tattoo takes roughly between 1-3 weeks depending on the size and style of the piece. Shaded tattoos, or tattoos with big areas of colour tend to take a bit longer because they are more invasive to the skin.
Clear Wrap Bandage Instructions
1. Once the bandage has been applied on your new tattoo it can stay on for approximately 2-5hrs - do not keep this bandage on for 24hrs. This bandage should be removed once you get home and are ready to care for it.
2. When ready to remove this bandage do so in the bathroom under warm water with a mild unscented soap while gently rubbing off any blood or liquid. Then pat dry (do not rub) with a paper towel; avoid using a towel to do this unless it is a fresh one. You can also let it air dry.
3. With this type of bandage it is recommended that you rebandage it before bed because a new tattoo (less than 24hrs) can leak fluids on your sheets as it has not formed a scab yet. Leaving it exposed while sleeping will likely make the healing process a bit harder.
4. In the morning remove the bandage and repeat the cleaning process explained in step 2. Once the tattoo has dried leave it and you can apply a small amount of unscented lotion once or twice a day until healed. Do not use Vasaline or any thick lotions that will not allow the tattoo to breathe.
5. If your tattoo is red around the edges and hurts to touch it could be infected. Don't panic, keep it clean and dry. Once or twice a day (maximum) you can apply a thin layer of Original Polysporin to the area until the redness has subsided.
6. Healing a new tattoo takes roughly between 1-3 weeks depending on the size and style of the piece. Shaded tattoos, or tattoos with big areas of colour tend to take a bit longer because they are more invasive to the skin.