Tattoo aftercare:
Derm Shield (Tegaderm)
Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days, no more than a week. There will be blood, ink, and plasma that will leak out and be contained underneath the tegaderm. This is perfectly normal but may make the tattoo look fuzzy or discolored. For colored tattoos this will not hurt the color.
If any fluid leaks out or if any part of the tattoo is exposed, take off the bandage and begin your aftercare. Until it comes off, avoid direct sunlight and do not submerge your tattoo in any water. Showers are OK.
When it is time to take the bandage off, take it off under warm water like in the shower. Peel it off slowly from the top down. Wash with your antibacterial soap* using only your palm or lightly with your fingertips. Let it air dry for a few minutes before applying a chapstick thin layer of your aftercare moisturizer**. Avoid working out or moving the affected area excessively, especially while the bandage is still on. Doing so could prolong healing, cause ink to not settle well, or worse cause an infection if sweat is left to sit on the tattoo for too long. Take it easy! The better you take care of your tattoo now the better it will look in the future!
In a few days to a week, the tattoo will get itchy. Do not scratch, or pick at any skin or scabs if they may form. Avoid using hydrocortisone, alcohol products or antibiotics topical or oral as these can all result in fading of the tattoo...yes, drinking alcohol too but only while the tattoo is still leaking. If you feel inclined to have a drink a ter your session, do so in moderation.
Tattoos take roughly 2-3 weeks to heal but can take as long as 3 months. Some areas take longer depending on how much movement that area experiences or how much "trauma" the skin has endured. Large color tattoos and cover-ups tend to be in the 3-4 weeks or more ballpark. Keep up your lotion routine ana have patience.
Color tattoos when done right will usually need touching up around 5+ years. I strongly recommend developing a good skin routine and wearing sunscreen whenever outside. This will ensure you get the longest life from your new tattoo.
Non-adherent bandage
Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours and gently wash with anti-bacterial soap*. Pat dry real good with a paper towel and apply a thin layer of moisturizer/ tattoo specific aftercare** Make sure to always have clean hands when touching the tattoo and never double dip into your aftercare moisturizer.
For the first 2-3 days your tattoo may leak blood, ink and plasma. Keep this in mind when sleeping and be sure to wear clean but old clothes you don t care to get messy or put a clean towel down. Avoid letting your pet sleep with you at this time.
The first few days while the tattoo is open is crucial to keeping it clean. Infections usually happen within this time frame.
Making sure my setup is clean and doing everything 1 can to minimize risk during your appointment is my job. Making sure it remains clean after you leave is yours. Wash and apply ointment about twice a day. After about the 3rd or 4th day you can refer back to the “tegaderm aftercare".
For any questions or concerns, never hesitate to email me at littlebeartattoo.sj@gmail.com.
*Soap recommendations: Dr. Bronners or Dial Gold
**Moisturizer: Tattoo specific non-petroleum based lotions (I.e. Hustle Butter, After Inked, Mad Rabbit, etc.) or Vitamin E oil