SECOND SKIN HEALING
Congratulations on your new tattoo! The process is now in your hands. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure a proper healing process, resulting in optimum tattoo results.
Your tattoo will be bandaged by your artist, immediately after the tattooing procedure is completed.
Leave the sani-derm bandage on for a minimum of 3 days. If there is no irritation and the tattoo is completely sealed you may leave the bandage on for up to 7 days. Underneath the bandage ink and plasma may collect. This is completely normal and part of the process.
Remove the bandage after 3-7 days and begin your aftercare routine. Remove the bandage in the shower under running water. Start with a loose edge or corner and gently peel away the bandage.
The first step after removing the bandage is to gently wash the tattooed area with a gentle, fragrance-free liquid anti-bacterial soap. Using clean hands wash and rinse your tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
For the next two weeks, or until the tattoo is completely healed you will be washing the tattoo 2-3 times a day and moisturizing it 2-3 times a day. Remember that your tattoo must be able to breathe to heal so only a small amount is necessary.
During the two-week healing period:
No direct sunlight.
Not hot tubs, bathtubs, swimming pools, oceans, or ponds. Bodies of water can harbor bacteria and cause skin infections in open wounds such as a tattoo.
If you have pets, be careful of pet dander.
NO PICKING THE SCABS
There are telltale signs of improper aftercare that a properly trained artist will recognize immediately. If the improper care requires correction through touch-ups, it will be at the expense of the collector, not the artist. If your tattoo shows signs of infection you will need to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Possible signs of infection might include:
-discoloration or redness spreading around the area
-heat or pulsating warmth
-drainage/pus
-your fresh tattoo will be tender but if soreness increases instead of decreasing it could be a sign of infection
After your tattoo is completely healed, use a sunblock of an SPF 40 or higher to ensure the brightness of the tattoo. Like any pigment, tattoo, or otherwise, sun can drastically damage and change the appearance of your tattoo.