Congratulations on your new artwork, half of the battle is complete.. Now it’s time for you to care for your new piece to ensure it’s longevity. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound and should be monitored and cared for as such. Redness, swelling, bruising and itching can all be present during this process. If you feel something doesn’t align with the information provided here please contact your personal artist for clarification or questions.
Eating well and continual hydration will always help a body recover from trauma much quicker. Avoid direct sunlight/indoor tanning is also imperative for optimal healing, especially while the bandage is on.
At the end of your appointment you will receive one of two types of bandages to protect your new art. The most common is a medical pad wrapped in coban. Remove this type of bandage within 4-6 hours and start manual after care (scroll down to find instructions).
The second type of bandage is called Saniderm or Transparent Adhesive Bandage. It creates a water-resistant barrier over the tattooed area to prevent irritants from getting into the tattoo. It is intended to remain on your skin throughout the healing process. Each person is different but we have created this basic guideline for all to follow.
Within 12-24 hrs of application you will remove the bandage to cleanse the new tattoo. *see instructions below on how to remove.
Wash your new tattoo with antibacterial soap. Be sure your skin feels smooth and uniform, then rinse the tattoo completely.
Allow the new tattoo to air dry. Drying with a towel or paper product could leave behind particles that could become trapped in the follicles of the skin causing an ingrown hair.
Apply the replacement bandage given to you before leaving the studio as instructed. *also see instructions below on how to apply.
Wear the second, fresh bandage for an additional 3-5 days. During this time it is safe to shower with the bandage in place, while being mindful not to overly saturate bandage. Swimming or bathing are prohibited for 2 weeks from time of session.
On the final day you will remove the bandage and wash as you did before.
Begin applying lotion 2-3 times per day as the tattoo continues to peel and heal.
Healing Timeline
Day 1-3 Redness, Soreness, Swelling, Drainage
Day 4-6 Slight redness, Mild to no soreness, Itching
Day 7-10 Flaking, Peeling, Itching, Design may feel slightly “Raised”
Day 11-30 Slight raised feeling until tattoo heals completely internally
Things to watch for
Incessant itching within first 24-48 hours
Blisters
Hives
Extreme redness
All are possible signs of allergic reaction to the bandage adhesive. If you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction, remove bandage immediately as instructed and resume manual aftercare.
Manual After Care
Wash, rinse and air dry area thoroughly 1-2 times daily. Apply unscented lotion, Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, or a tattoo balm until the area has healed at the surface (5-10 days). Avoid dusty or dirty environments. Avoid sweating as this pushes out ink and keeps wound moist. While showering keep water exposure to minimum and air dry before applying lotion.
Risk of infection is always involved with getting a new tattoo. If instructions are not followed properly your risk increases.
Bandage Removal
It is best to remove bandage in the shower or under warm running water. If done so in the shower please wait until the end of the shower to begin removal to prevent overly saturating the area and soaps from getting in the area.
Loosen the edges and begin peeling SLOWLY with the growth of your hair. Becoming frustrated and pulling too quickly could result in more unwanted trauma to the skin.
Bandage Application
Once the skin is completely dry, peel the white film from the bandage being mindful not to allow it to touch itself. Place over the tattoo, covering it completely. Smooth into place and peel away the top portion of the film with the plus sign pattern. Bubbles that form should be left alone as they will work themselves out over time.