GENERAL AFTERCARE

Your critical heal time is the first 14 days, but your tattoo will not be fully healed for approximately 5-6 weeks (when the epithelial cells of your skin all regenerate).

During the first 2 weeks:

• DO NOT SWIM, SOAK, or OTHERWISE SUBMERGE YOUR TATTOO IN WATER.

• KEEP YOUR TATTOO OUT OF THE SUN.

• KEEP EXERCISING TO A MINIMUM, ESPECIALLY IF YOU SWEAT A LOT WHEN YOU EXERCISE.

• KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN. DO NOT POKE OR RUB THE TATTOO (LEAVE IT ALONE!)

FOR DURMOR / SANIDERM BANDAGING

LEAVE THE BANDAGE ON FOR 5-7 DAYS (IDEALLY) BUT OVERNIGHT AT MINIMUM. IF THE BANDAGE STARTS TO PEEL OR ROLL OFF SOONER THAN 5 DAYS, REMOVE BECAUSE BACTERIA CAN BECOME TRAPPED UNDERNEATH AND CAUSE AN INFECTION.

• The bandage will be applied after ten to fifteen minutes and the tattoo has had a chance to stop bleeding. It will be cut to fit your tattoo with about an inch of margin around the tattoo. This should give the bandage the ability to stay in place for the full five days while containing any fluids that build up during the healing process.

• If fluids to build up under the bandage, do not poke, cut, or otherwise do anything to compromise the integrity of the bandage. Doing so can result in infection. If fluids leak out past the margins of the bandage for any reason and it has been less than five days, remove it and perform the aftercare for gauze type bandages (below) until the tattoo is fully healed.

• The bandage is waterproof and it is safe to shower, etc., however, it’s not a good idea to, swim, hot tub, or otherwise soak the tattoo until it is healed.

• Once it has been on for five days, remove the bandage by finding one corner and gently roll the corner between your fingers until it begins to lift. Then slowly peel the bandage away. I advise doing this in the shower as there may be fluids, excess ink, etc under the bandage. The tattoo will then need to be thoroughly washed. It may help to apply some soap and warm water under the bandage as you peel it off.

• Once the bandage is off and washed, pat it dry and let it dry out for a day.

• For the next week or so, you should apply a good moisturizer like Aquaphor on the tattoo to help moisturize the new skin.

FOR TRADITIONAL GAUZE BANDAGING

Leave the bandage on overnight.

• Remove the bandage in the morning and wash the tattoo with warm soapy water. Use a mild non scented soap and only use your hands to wash. No scrubbies or wash cloths.
  

• Pat the tattoo dry.
  

• Apply a small amount of Aquaphor to the tattoo and be sure to rub it in all the way. If there is enough to wipe off after it’s rubbed in, you’ve put too much on. Use less next time. Only use enough to leave the skin moisturized, not greasy.
  

• Wash and moisturize the same way twice daily. Morning and night.
  

• Keep the tattoo clean and dry other than washing. Avoid swimming or soaking. Even excess sweating from exercise should be avoided. If you get dirty at work, keep the tattoo covered and clean. But be sure to allow it to breathe.
  

• Avoid excess touching. Don’t scratch or pick at the tattoo. The tattoo is an open wound and can get infected. For this reason, also do not let your friends, kids, or pets touch your tattoo until it’s healed.
  

• Once all of the scabbing has come off, the tattoo is technically healed. However, your skin will still be dry and will need to continue to be moisturized for another week or so. On average, a tattoo takes anywhere from four to ten days to heal and may take another week or two for the skin to settle down. It can also take anywhere from a month to six months for the skin to fully settle down. The newly tattooed skin may look shiny and may be slightly raised for some time as the tattoo settles in.