Aftercare

If using a saniderm bandage …

• Leave the saniderm piece from your appointment on for 2 days if it stays intact and your skin doesn’t react to it. Remove after these 2 days after taking a long, hot shower to help loosen up the adhesive. Wash the goo layer off with a mild, natural soap like unscented Dr. Bronners or anything without too many added fragrances/chemicals. Do not use bar soap as these can have a lot of bacteria on them. Let the tattooed area air dry or pat only with a freshly clean towel or paper towel as used towels can also have lots of bacteria on them.
  
  

• If choosing to put on another sheet of saniderm, let the tattooed area dry completely and do not put ointment on it as ointment will not allow the bandage to stick. Saniderm has no anti-microbial in it, so be very careful to ensure cleanliness in this re-application process. This saniderm can stay on for 1-2 weeks so long as the edges don’t start to peel up too much. If you get really sweaty from exercise or heat under the bandage, please remove as pooling is prone to bacterial growth. Once you remove the bandage after this amount of time, follow the instructions for the traditional bandage.
  
  

• If you have redness / burning sensation from the saniderm, remove it immediately after running it under warm water to loosen the adhesive. Do not put another piece back on as you may be developing an allergy to the bandage/adhesive.

If using a traditional bandage …

• Leave the bandage and wrapping on overnight as able so that the plasma goo won’t get all over bedsheets/pajamas. When you do take it off, make sure you do so somewhere where you can wash it off well with a mild, natural soap like unscented Dr. Bronners or anything without too many added fragrances/chemicals. Do not use bar soap as these can have a lot of bacteria on them. Let the tattooed area air dry or pat only with a freshly clean towel or paper towel as used towels can also have lots of bacteria on them.
  
  

• For the first 2 days or so, only wash the tattoo when it feels in need of a cleaning. After this amount of time, you will start to notice it becoming slightly drier and at this point begin to apply a thin layer of a thick ointment (coconut oil, aquaphor, and cetaphil all work well). I have found getting a new stick of natural chapstick (like burt’s bees) can be great for ointment on-the-go where it is contained and you don’t have to use your fingers to apply it, cutting down on infection risk. Just apply when it is feeling dry … tattoos like to breathe so too much can make it goopy and weird. But also don’t let it crack from dryness, a happy medium is best!
  
  

• If you do notice any redness or burning sensation, you are welcome to apply a small amount of neosporin/triple antibiotic to the affected area. This can help eliminate any brewing infection. If it worsens, please go to urgent care and seek medical attention!
  
  

• While the tattoo is healing (2.5-3 weeks is considered healed) please keep the healing area out of ….

  • swimming pools

  • bathtubs (showers are great and encouraged! even with saniderm!)

  • saunas

  • hot tubs

  • direct sunshine (bandanas work well for covering the site)

  • tight clothing

  • shared work out surfaces (it’s a open wound!)

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions / concerns you may have!