Aftercare
SANIDERM
Leave the wrap on for 72 hours minimum (3 days). If removed during that time frame, begin the conventional method with cleaning, aplying ointment everytime after you wash it. If the bandage is left on for the full 96 hours, simply remove it, keep the tattoo clean, and use lotion as needed whenever the tattoo dries out fully.
The tattoo was cleaned properly before bandaging, so you don't need to clean it while the bandage is on. Saniderm allows the tattoo to breathe, but it is also a moisture barrier; as such, it is water resistant, but that also means that any excess ink, blood or plasma that seeps out of a new tattoo will be trapped inside. This is normal. If a pool of fluid does become trapped inside the bandage - not a quarter sized bubble, but half dollar or larger - you may use scissors to cut a small hole in the bandage to drain the fluid. After draining, RE-SEAL the Saniderm using a little piece of medical tape, if you need more you can purchase "Tegaderm" at Walgreens or CVS. In any case, use your best judgement.
If your bandage becomes torn, is leaking excessively, etc. please contact me at the studio so I can go over how to proceed - if you can't reach me in a timely manner for whatever reason, remove wrap and use the conventional healing method.
Do your best not to sweat excessively - work is fine, but avoid the gym while using Saniderm. It can be left on during the shower as well, but this does not mean you should submerge the tattoo in water for a prolonged period of time through a bath or swimming
if you're one of a thousand person showing allergic reaction to the saniderm you'll see excesive redness around the film, in this case peel it off and do the conventional healing
Any time your tattoo is exposed to the sun after its done healing you should use a minimum of SPF 45 sunblock.
CONVENTIONAL HEALING
Remove the bandage after 2 hours, but no more than 12. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it well, cleaning off any plasma or slimy buildup. Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel (never re-use a towel as it will hold bacteria) then allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment.
Apply a very small amount of ointment (BALM TATTOO), massaging into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess.
For the first few days treat your tattoo like the open wound it is. Clean it 2-3 times daily, or more often if the area gets sweaty or dirty, and then apply ointment as needed. Ensure that extra moisture doesn't get trapped under the ointment, by blotting and air-drying after each washing. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-4 days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At this point simply keep the tattoo clean, and begin to use a scent free, dye free lotion as needed.
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. All normal activities involving water or sun exposure can usually be resumed after 10-14 days, when the tattooed skin feels normal.
You should never get thick scabs, if you do you're not washing your tattoo enough, NEVER pick at the cracked and flaking skin. 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.
Any time your tattoo is exposed to the sun after its done healing you should use a minimum of SPF 45 sunblock.