Aftercare

After the artist is finished tattooing they will apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor or A+D over the tattoo (Vaseline should not be used as it prevents the skin from breathing and can cause ink to fade) and then cover the area in a bandage or plastic wrap. This covering prevents bacteria from getting into your skin, it also protects the tattoo from rubbing onto your clothes and getting irritated. Keep this on for as long as your tattoo artist recommends, which may be just a few hours, it’ll help absorb any fluid or excess ink that leaks from the tattoo.

After you have taken the wrap off the tattoo and before cleaning the area, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently wash the area with warm water and fragrance free antibacterial soap, we normally recommend Dial Gold. Use firm but gentle downward strokes with damp soft wash cloth or paper towel to remove any dried blood or plasma that has oozed onto the surface of your skin. Use a dry soft wash cloth or paper towel to pat the area dry. Do NOT rub or use circular motions to wash or dry the area on or near your new tattoo. After the tattoo has been thoroughly cleaned, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer. Do NOT rewrap the tattoo, allowing your skin to breathe will help further the healing process. Wash and moisturize the area multiple times a day to assure cleanliness.

At some point within the first week of healing the tattoo will begin to flake and itch, this is a completely normal part of the healing process. Do NOT scratch. Using fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer will help relieve the itch.

Within 2 weeks the outer layers will be mostly healed, though we say that it takes a month for a tattoo to heal it will take up to 3-4 months for the inner layers of the skin to heal.

Do NOT submerge the tattoo in any water for at least 2-4 weeks, we recommend waiting at least a month before swimming. A tattoo is considered a skin abrasion meaning it is an open wound and submerging it in water greatly increases the exposure of bacteria and risk of infection.

How quickly the tattoo will heal depends on the size and intricacy, tattoos that have more color and shading will take longer than a tattoo that is simply line work.

Saniderm Aftercare Instructions

If your tattoo artist uses Saniderm during the healing process then the first Saniderm application will be immediately after your tattoo is finished and thoroughly cleaned, they will instruct you to leave this on for 24 hours. Do not pick at the bandage, it will hold in any plasma that is released or weeping that has occurred. After that time has passed follow the instructions below, taken directly from the Saniderm website to apply the second bandage that your artist will have given to you already cut the needed size.

Application of Second Bandage

  1. To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.

  2. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free.

  3. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean soft towel or paper towel. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.

  4. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.

  5. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth the bandage over the tattoo. Similarly to how you would apply a glass protector to your cell phone. We recommend keeping the second bandage on for 6 days, if it comes off before the 6 days follow up with the regular aftercare instructions written above.

You are also welcome to come back to the shop after 24 hours to have someone assist you in changing the Saniderm bandage, free of charge. Simply call ahead and bring in the unused bandage that your artist gave you the day before.

While your tattoo is healing

  • Clean multiple times a day, making sure to wash your hands in warm water with antibacterial soap before

  • Moisturize multiple times a day and after cleaning with alcohol-free and fragrance-free lotion

  • Wear sun-protective clothing when ever you go outside

  • Call the shop (860) 786-7060 or doctor if you feel the tattoo is not healing properly or if you see any signs of infection

DO NOT

  • Cover your tattoo with sunblock until it’s fully healed

  • Scratch or pick at the tattoo while healing. If any flakes do not come off easily with gentle cleansing leave them, they will come off within a few days

  • Wear tight clothing over the tattoo, this can rub and irritate the healing area

  • Go swimming or immerse yourself in any body of water including baths, pools/hot tubs and all natural bodies of water (Showers are fine)

Long-term tattoo aftercare

  • Keep it clean, washing daily with alcohol free soap.

  • Apply moisturizer daily and sunscreen (SPF 45+) anytime you go out in the sun-especially in the summertime.

  • Keep in mind that large fluctuations in weight will affect your tattoo as the skin itself will stretch and possibly distort the tattoo.