aftercare instructions
saniderm method
If you were wrapped with a clear adhesive bandage, adhere to the following instructions:
Leave bandage on for 48 hours—don’t do anything to it. The bandage is waterproof & showering is fine however avoid submerging area in water.
During these 2 days, you may notice a black liquid pooling up inside. THIS IS COMPLETELY NORMAL & EXPECTED—don’t freak out! It’s your white blood cells leaking from your tattoo. The larger tattoo you have the more liquid you’ll produce & the smaller, the less. For larger tattoos consider sleeping on an old towel, just in case.
After 2 days, remove bandage in shower. Get it soapy & peel in a downward motion. Wash gently with your hand, warm water, & antibacterial soap.
After shower, pat dry with a paper towel or clean towel to absorb all moisture. Allow to air dry—do not put anything on fresh tattoo. Let it dry out completely until next day.
On the 3rd day, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of non-scented lotion twice a day until tattoo is healed. Wash tattoo prior to applying lotion and make sure it’s completely dry before applying anything. Healing will be from 4-6 weeks. (Recommended lotions: CeraVe, Jergens, Cetaphil, Lubraderm, Aveeno—just be sure it’s non-scented).
Peeling, flaking, and scabbing are all expected & normal. DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO! Doing so may result in poor healing & a touch up will be required.
traditional method
If you were wrapped with paper towels and sensi-wrap, adhere to the following instructions:
Remove bandage 2-4 hours after receiving tattoo. Wash gently with your hand, warm water, & antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel or clean towel to absorb all moisture. Allow to air dry for a few hours.
Before going to bed, apply a THIN layer of A&D ointment and re-wrap with fresh paper towels. This will prevent ink from staining your bed sheets. For larger tattoos consider sleeping on an old towel, just in case.
With clean hands, continue to use a THIN layer of A&D for the next 3 days, twice a day (it should be just barely shiny). Wash tattoo prior to applying ointment & be sure it’s completely dry before applying anything. Allowing the tattoo to be too wet will result in poor healing.
On 4th day, switch to a thin layer of non-scented lotion twice a day until tattoo is healed. Healing will be from 4-6 weeks. (Recommended lotions: CeraVe, Jergens, Cetaphil, Lubraderm, Aveeno—just be sure it’s non-scented).
Peeling, flaking, and scabbing are all expected and normal. DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO! Doing so may result in poor healing & a touch up will be required.