TATTOO AFTERCARE
Looking after your tattoo is just as important as the tattooing process. If you would like yours to heal as well as possible, please follow these instructions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BANDAGING OPTION
I offer two types of bandages at the end of your appointment for you to choose from.
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SANIDERM
Sanidem is a clear, breathable second skin layer bandage that can be kept on the skin for up to 3-5 days. Benefits include faster healing & less mess during early healing stages. There is no latex in the brand that I use. Please do not choose this option if your skin is sensitive to adhesives like medical tape.
SARAN WRAP
The Saran Wrap method is the traditional way to heal tattoos. I would bandage your tattoo with Saran Wrap and you would take it off after you get home (at least 2-3 hours after your appointment ends). The tattoo will remain exposed to air for the full two week duration of healing. Both methods work very well, your choice between the two depends entirely on your preference!
SANIDERM
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Second skin bandages are designed to stay on your skin for multiple days, to trap good bacteria under the bandage and help your tattoo heal faster while keeping it clean. You can leave your second skin layer bandage on for 3-5 days as long as it has not started to peel so much that the tattoo is exposed.
If the tattoo is exposed, remove the bandage with clean hands immediately & continue on with aftercare instructions. You can shower with this bandage on, just do not submerge it into water (swimming, bathtub, etc.). This bandage does not protect your tattoo from the sun.
After 3-5 days, carefully remove the second skin wrap under warm water.
Wash it with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel & apply a light layer of unscented lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc.).
Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until the tattoo starts to peel & flake. Continue moisturizing until the skin feels flat and smooth like the rest of your skin.
If you take off your Sandierm early for any reason - please refer to the Saran Wrap method below & proceed with that set of instructions.
Please keep in mind that those with allergies to adhesives or latex should not opt for the second skin bandage option as it can create irritation for your skin and your new tattoo.
SARAN WRAP​
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Keep your fresh tattoo wrapped in the saran wrap your artist provided for 2-3 hours. If your tattoo was done towards the end of the day or is particularly large, feel free to leave the wrap on over night, just be careful not to let it slide off and expose the tattoo while wrapped.
Once you unwrap your new tattoo, dispose of the saran wrap & wash your tattoo with clean hands under warm water with antibacterial soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply a very light layer of aquephor or your preferred non petroleum ointment (shea butter, coconut oil, Hustle Butter, etc.) and pat off any excess ointment with a paper towel.
Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until the tattoo starts to peel & flake. At this point, you can switch from your ointment to an unscented lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc.).
Continue moisturizing until the skin feels flat and smooth like the rest of your skin.
Healing typically takes about 2 weeks.
Do not use fake tan, perfume, or cosmetics on your tattoo until it is healed.
I recommend avoiding sun exposure for 2 weeks.
I recommend avoiding submerging the tattoo in water 2 weeks.
Do not use sunscreen on the tattooed skin 2 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed.
Do not go to the gym for one week after getting your tattoo.
If you have any concerns about infection, please email me at kpenndesign@gmail.com immediately and send photos of how you are healing. If I am unavailable, please visit your doctor.
Ink will seep out of your tattoo for the first few days of healing, please be aware this could ruin your clothing or sheets. I recommend wearing dark clothes to avoid this.