Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Traditional Healing Method

First 2–4 Hours

Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours.

Remove and properly dispose of the bandage.

First Wash

With clean hands:

• Wash your tattoo using mild, fragrance-free liquid soap and warm water

• Use the palm of your hand to gently lather

• Remove all excess ointment, blood, and ink

• Do NOT use a washcloth or scrub the tattoo

• Rinse thoroughly until the tattoo feels clean

Gently pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Allow the tattoo to air dry for 30 minutes.

Once dry, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.

Optional: First Night Wrap

For the first night only:

• Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor

• Rewrap the tattoo

• Leave covered overnight

In the morning:

• Remove the dressing

• Wash again to remove any plasma buildup

• Dry as instructed

• Reapply a thin layer of Aquaphor

Days 1–5

Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor 2–3 times per day.

Do not over-apply. Too much ointment can suffocate the tattoo and slow healing.

Days 6–14

After 5 days, switch to a fragrance-free lotion for approximately one week.

Apply lightly as needed to prevent dryness.

Healing Process

Healing and peeling typically take 1–2 weeks.

During this time:

• Do NOT pick at scabs

• Let peeling skin flake off naturally

• Itching is normal — do not scratch

• Lightly tapping or slapping the area can help relieve itching

• Mild tenderness or a sunburn-like feeling for a few days is normal

Showering & Activity

Light showering is fine.

Do NOT:

• Soak the tattoo

• Swim

• Take baths

• Use hot tubs

Avoid submerging the tattoo in water for 2 weeks.

Avoid direct sunlight for 4 weeks.

If the tattoo becomes sweaty or dirty, gently wash again with mild liquid soap.

After Fully Healed

Once the tattoo has completely healed:

• Apply a fragrance-free, vitamin-enriched moisturizer daily

• Continue for 2–4 weeks or until the tattoo has settled into the skin

Long term:

Tattoo pigment can fade with sun exposure.

Always use sunscreen or protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

Signs of Infection

The risk of infection from a professionally performed tattoo is very low.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice:

• Thick yellow or green drainage

• Continuous oozing or bleeding

• Red streaks extending from the tattoo

• A spreading hot sensation around the area

• Worsening pain or burning

• Unusual swelling

• Fever or elevated body temperature

Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare

(Saniderm / Dermal Adhesive Healing)

Immediately After Your Appointment

Your tattoo has been covered with a medical-grade adhesive bandage (Second Skin).

Leave this bandage on for 3–5 days, unless otherwise instructed.

Do not remove it early unless:

• The bandage leaks

• Fluid escapes from the seal

• The adhesive lifts and exposes the tattoo

Some fluid buildup under the bandage is normal. This may look dark, cloudy, or inky. This is a mixture of plasma, blood, and excess ink — and is expected.

While Wearing Second Skin

You may:

• Shower normally

• Gently wash around the bandage

Do NOT:

• Soak in baths

• Swim

• Use hot tubs

• Submerge the tattoo

Avoid excessive sweating or friction if possible.

If the bandage fills excessively with fluid or the seal breaks, remove it, wash the tattoo, and follow traditional aftercare instructions.

Removing the Bandage (Day 3–5)

To remove:

• Wash your hands

• Remove bandage slowly under warm running water

• Pull the bandage parallel to your skin, not straight up

• Take your time — do not rip it off dry

After removal:

• Wash tattoo with mild fragrance-free liquid soap

• Rinse thoroughly

• Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel

• Allow to air dry for 20–30 minutes

Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion (NOT Aquaphor at this stage).

After Bandage Removal

Switch to standard aftercare:

• Apply fragrance-free lotion 2–3 times per day

• Keep tattoo clean

• Do not pick or scratch

• Allow peeling and flaking to happen naturally

Healing typically continues for 1–2 weeks after bandage removal.

What Is Normal

• Fluid buildup under bandage

• Slight redness at the adhesive edges

• Mild itching once bandage is removed

• Light peeling

What Is NOT Normal

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Thick yellow or green drainage

• Increasing redness spreading outward

• Red streaks extending from tattoo

• Significant swelling

• Worsening pain

• Fever

Sun + Water

No swimming, baths, or hot tubs for 2 weeks total (even if bandage comes off earlier).