How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo?

How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo
Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-4 DAYS do not lift it, change it or remove it. The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing.

How long can I leave on Tegaderm?

Leave Tegaderm on for 3 to 5 days. Remove Tegaderm by peeling back the edges and pulling the sheet back over itself in the direction of hair growth. If there is still a strong adhesion, try removing the bandage in a warm shower.

Can Tegaderm ruin a tattoo?

TEGADERM METHOD – Some of our artists will provide you with a Tegaderm (also known as Saniderm or Tattooderm) bandage. This method of healing is a little different, so it’s important to follow these steps. Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo.

  1. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo;
  2. You can shower normally while healing, but please still abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in bodies of water;

Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm. He will provide you with a second bandage. Leave the original bandage on overnight. Remove your bandage slowly and carefully the next morning. Discard this Tegaderm. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap.

Does Tegaderm speed up tattoo healing?

Saniderm or Tegaderm Tattoo Healing Method – Instead of following the traditional tattoo healing method listed above, your tattoo artist may place a breathable, adhesive bandage (such as Saniderm, Tegaderm, SecondSkin, etc. ) on your tattoo directly following your appointment. How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo Tattoo covered by Saniderm bandage directly following appointment. “It dramatically reduces the risk of the tattoo becoming infected and protects the new skin during the initial healing stages,” says Belley. If your artist recommends using an adhesive wrap to heal your tattoo, the following timeline is generally what you can expect.

  • This removes the need to clean and wash your tattoo repeatedly during the first week;
  • Directly Following Your Tattoo Appointment Your artist will clean and wrap your new tattoo and make sure the adhesive bandage covers the entirety of the tattoo;

They will press it tightly against your skin and remove any backing that may be on the bandage. You’ll be left with a clear, protective covering over your tattoo—and you’re good to go. Days 1-3: A Liquid-Filled Bandage All of the plasma, blood, and ink will leak directly into your bandage and pool up in certain areas. Plasma and ink will fill the adhesive bandage. This is normal. Belley says that she recommends clients leave the first bandage on for 24-48 hours. After that time, you can remove the bandage, wash the tattoo thoroughly using warm water and unscented soap, and pat it dry. Once the tattoo is completely dry, you can place a new adhesive bandage over the tattoo.

  1. It will look dark and inky;
  2. Although it looks gross, and may be alarming to someone unfamiliar with this healing method, this is totally normal;
  3. “This wrap stays on for the majority of the healing time, about 6-7 days,” says Belley;

Days 4-5: Leave It Alone Make sure to follow all instructions from your tattoo artist. Some artists, like Belley, recommend swapping the initial tattoo healing wrap for a new one within the first day or two. Other artists, however, will place one piece of Saniderm or Tegaderm on the tattoo following your appointment and tell you to leave it on for 5-7 days.

  • Just listen to your artist’s specific recommendations;
  • Changing out your bandage on your own at home could be difficult for certain body parts, or you could run the risk of contaminating the area if you’re not careful;

If you live close to your artist’s tattoo studio, your artist may be able to change the bandage for you in a sterile environment. How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo Leave the Saniderm bandage alone. Regardless of whether you stick to the first wrap or swap it for a different one, it’s important to leave the bandage alone during this tattoo healing stage. Don’t peel it, pick at it, or touch it. Simply, let it be. During this time, you can shower normally, but try to avoid getting the bandage very wet and do not submerge the bandage in water.

Any fluid and plasma will dry up in the bandage during this phase and the wrap may feel tight on your skin. Although the risk of infection with this type of bandage is minimal, it’s important to watch for any warning signs or problems.

“With the wrap on, it’s very easy to see if there is an irritation or infection and I warn clients to watch for areas that are sore and not improving, or that have a milky grey substance surrounding the area,” says Belley. “If this happens, I recommend immediately removing the wrap and washing thoroughly with unscented soap.

” Additionally, if any areas of your bandage lift up, leak excessively, or expose your tattoo, remove the bandage and heal your tattoo normally to avoid the risk of bacteria getting under the bandage and harming the tattoo.

Days 6-7: Remove the Saniderm or Tegaderm Bandage Tattoo artists will generally recommend removing the tattoo healing wrap around days 6-7. Removing the bandage in the shower will help it come off your skin easier. Once the bandage is removed, you should clean your tattoo thoroughly with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap.

Pat your tattoo dry with paper towels and add a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Your tattoo should look vibrant and there should be virtually no flaking or itching. Days 7+: Moisturize and Enjoy Your Tattoo Using a breathable, medical grade bandage like Saniderm or Tegaderm cuts tattoo healing time down considerably and protects your tattoo from contamination and infection.

After the removal of the bandage, your tattoo may still feel dry for another week or two, so moisturize it as needed with unscented lotion. How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo After removing Saniderm or Tegaderm, continue to moisturize your new tattoo. Even if your tattoo appears healed, you should still avoid swimming or sun exposure until it is fully settled into your skin—which could still take a few weeks following the removal of the bandage.

Is it better to leave Tegaderm on longer?

I used to hand out a paper version of my Aftercare, but I want to veer away from wasteful practices – so I’m providing an online source! Tegaderm/Saniderm Aftercare: (preferred) (Purchased at some local drug stores as well as Amazon) Self Application (skip to #3 if I applied it for you): 1.

Clean your hands, then the tattoo thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Let the tattoo dry before application. You may also use rubbing alcohol AROUND the tattoo in order to dry up the surrounding skin for better adhesion.

Apply patches of Tegaderm and overlap them to cover the tattoo completely, trying not to allow for bubbles. Showering is fine, but do not soak the now wrapped tattoo, it may cause the Tegaderm to peel off prematurely. If the wrap begins to peel up, you can use surgical tape to keep it down, but if the tattoo is exposed, you will need to reapply Tegaderm (preferred), or switch to Conventional Aftercare – picking up on the day that the wrap came off.

  1. Allow the wrap to stay applied for 3- 7 days straight, the longer the better;
  2. The longer the Tegaderm is left on, the less that it will have to be fussed with;
  3. After those days are up, submerge the wrapping and peel up the Tegaderm;

After the Tegaderm comes off, you are now in the lotion phase of aftercare. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (Curel/Lubriderm) 3-5 times a day after cleaning your tattoo with an antibacterial soap (example: gold Dial) Things to anticipate: 1. There will be blood/fluid/ink pooling under the Tegaderm, which will stay trapped under the wrapping, or may leak out.

  1. (to be expected) 2;
  2. The wrap may smell odd;
  3. The wrap may have bubbling/air pockets;
  4. The wrap may begin to peel up;
  5. The tattoo will not be presentable/show ready because of how gross it may look;
  6. If left on for the full seven days, the peeling skin should come off with the Tegaderm (preferred);
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*Tegaderm is the CVS/Walgreens/drug store version of Saniderm Conventional Aftercare: 1. Keep tattoo bandaged for 1 hour or until you can properly and safely clean your tattoo. Remove bandage/plastic wrap and wash tattoo with Tatsoul-PRIDE Aftercare Cleanser/Aquaphor / liquid antibacterial soap (ex: Dial/Softsoap) and warm water.

  • Only use clean fingertips when washing your tattoo – using a rag/sponge/loofah can potentially scratch and damage your tattoo;
  • Lightly pat dry with a towel or just let it air dry;
  • http://www;
  • prideaftercare;

com/store/ 3. Apply a very thin layer (a tiny bit goes a long way) of Tatsoul-PRIDE Ointment/Aquaphor three to five times daily for THREE days. During your day keep the tube in your pocket so that it is warm and simply glides onto your skin. If applied when cool/cold there can be small pieces/chunks of the ointment applied.

http://www. prideaftercare. com/store/ 4. The first three  Nights before bed, wash thoroughly, apply Tatsoul-PRIDE Ointment/Aquaphor  and wrap with plastic wrap. This will prevent sticking to sheets and clothes, as well as picking up lint or hair.

Immediately in the morning remove and discard the plastic and clean your tattoo properly. After the three days of Tatsoul-PRIDE Ointment/Aquaphor , switch to PRIDE Aftercare Tattoo Lotion / unscented lotion (ex: Curel/Keri) for one week  (longer if you prefer).

Apply a very thin layer three to fives times daily. http://www. prideaftercare. com/store/ 6. Do NOT  pick or scratch tattoo at anytime during healing. You may pat it if it begins to itch. It will begin to peel after a few days, similar to sunburn.

Let it flake away on its own. Do NOT  submerge tattoo in water for long periods of time. Showers are fine. (Approx. 2 weeks) No pools, Jacuzzis, Ocean, or Baths during this time. Keep tattoo out of sun during healing (Approx. 2 weeks). You will always want to protect your Healed tattoo from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

  • These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast;
  • Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock;
  • Reapply sunblock as directed to stay protected;
  • Wear loose fitting clothing during the healing process so as to avoid irritating, scratching, and damaging your new tattoo;

10. Keep in mind that a tattoo is an open wound and must be delicately taken care of to avoid damage, so that it can heal well and look the best it can. If you have any questions relating to the after care of your tattoo please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]

When should I stop using Tegaderm?

A Tegaderm dressing can go a couple of days without changing. But if you’re exercising and getting sweaty, it won’t hold up as well and should be changed once or twice a day. Keep dressing the wound with ointment and Tegaderm until the skin is dry to the touch.

When should I change my Tegaderm?

The dressing should be changed if it is leaking, lifting off, or if there is wound fluid under the adhesive border. Frequency of dressing change will depend on factors such as type of wound, volume of drainage, facility protocols and/ or recommended guidelines.

What happens if you take the wrap off your tattoo too early?

Fresh tattoos can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to heal. During this healing phase, there are 7 things that can ruin your new tattoo before it has even healed. Bad art from a bad artist It’s possible to ruin your new tattoo by choosing an unskilled artist.

  1. When speaking about skills, I’m not referring to their artistic skills;
  2. This would be about the artists’ tattooing procedure and application skills;
  3. Everyone’s skin is different skin;
  4. Healthy, unhealthy, plump, loose, tight, oily, or dry;

Our skin’s surface, thickness, and tightness are also different throughout our bodies. These differences can have a detrimental impact on how the ink lays into your skin. An inexperienced artist can further implicate this. Finding and choosing an experienced artist goes without question 2.

Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and after the tattoo session, the artist will cover your new tattoo. Every artist has a different preference for what they use. Some still use the old school plastic Saran Wrap crap made for sandwiches.

Try to avoid using this food cellophane wrap on new ink. Fresh tattoos should be wrapped with a sterile bandage. The best options are medical-grade adhesive bandages and protective tattoo films like Saniderm or Dermalize. Wrapping a fresh tattoo is essential to help the initial healing while providing protection from environmental contaminants like dirt, germs or anything else that should not go near an open wound.

After the wrap has been on for a few hours, you will start to see blood and plasma underneath. Once this happens, it’s time to remove the wrap, as this can block your skin pores from breathing. This can ruin your new tattoo before the first day is over.

And trust me, I’ve ruined two tattoos by leaving the wrap on too long as per the artist’s instructions. The bandage or wrap should stay on no longer than 6-8 hours max. If using products like Saniderm or Dermalize, you can always remove it, clean the tattoo and apply a new layer.

  1. Tattoo Infections As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected;
  2. Once unwrapped, keep your skin clean and follow proper tattoo aftercare instructions;
  3. This will ensure your new tattoo heals without getting infected;

During tattoo healing, avoid touching your ink unless washing or applying aftercare. It’s very easy to transfer dirt and germs onto your fresh tattoo (open wound) from dirty hands. Sleeping with a fresh tattoo Getting a goods night’s sleep can be awkward during the tattoo healing process.

  • Even more awkward is the size and location of your new tattoo;
  • Try to avoid laying on the tattoo, and or having it covered under the sheets or blankets;
  • Covering a fresh tattoo under blankets or sheets can cause a risk of infection;

The bed is a great place for hidden germs that you do not want to get into an open wound. The same as above, your skin needs to breathe, so not covering up under the sheets helps. Then there’s the issue of laying on the tattoo. You risk having the tattoo stick to the bed or pick up dirt and germs.

  • You can always lay down a clean towel on the bed if you need to;
  • Another option for sleeping is applying a breathable medical wrap like Saniderm;
  • Make sure to remove it as soon as you wake up so that there’s not too much blood and plasma accumulation;

Cleaning and excess water exposure Keeping a fresh tattoo clean goes without question. So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo.

  1. When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day;
  2. You can read our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos here;
  3. Picking or scratching itchy or peeling skin During the tattoo healing stages, some people experience itchy and scabby skin;

The reason for this to happen is part of your skin’s healing process. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick or peel your skin as this can damage the color and lines of your new tattoo. To avoid or end any itchy peeling skin during tattoo healing, always use a good aftercare product.

  1. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized several times throughout the day;
  2. Don’t let your tattoo get dry, and only apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare after every cleaning;
  3. Now, in regards to peeling and itchy skin, I have never suffered from this;

I followed the above directions and none of my 21 tattoos have ever peeled or got itchy. Excessive sun exposure Excessive sun exposure is a fast way to ruin a new tattoo. Be aware of any direct sun exposure on your fresh ink. If you must be outside, always keep your tattoo covered, for at least the first 40 days.

  1. Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun;
  2. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo;
  3. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing;
  4. A list of nasty skincare ingredients will be for another blog;
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After your new tattoo has healed, make sure to keep it protected with quality sunscreen product if going outside. Excessive direct UVA/UVB sun exposure  accelerates skin aging, which causes tattoo fading.

Should I keep my tattoo wrapped for 5 days?

⏳ How long should I keep my tattoo covered with cling film? – After you leave the salon or your tattoo artist, you need to keep the tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours if you use simple cling wrap (plastic foil). If you have a protective tattoo film, then keep it for 3-5 days.

Does Tegaderm hurt to remove?

Vapour-permeable film dressings (such as Tegaderm, 3M, Op-Site Post-Op, Smith & Nephew) can be painlessly and safely removed by lifting a corner of the dressing and stretching it parallel to the skin while supporting the rest of the dressing with the fingers or thumb of the other hand.

How do you tell if your tattoo is too dry?

Tegaderm tattoo aftercare REMOVAL and explainer (in glorious, gooey 4k!)

Why Does Tattoo Cracking Happen? – When your tattoo begins to  scab over  in the healing process, the area around the tattoo generally becomes scaly , extremely dry, and also very itchy. Some tattoos will scab very lightly where the scabs are hardly visible, and some will scab heavily, with thick prominent crusts. How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoo A tattoo beginning to crack When the scabs lose moisture within them, they will become so dry that they begin to split, break apart, and often bleed. This is what is known as tattoo cracking. Below are the main reasons why your new ink may begin to crack:.

Can I keep my tattoo wrapped for 3 days?

You’ll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.

Can you cover a new tattoo with Tegaderm?

Your tattoo artist should let you know which type of bandage they used (dry-lock or tegaderm) on your tattoo but feel free to contact your artist if you have any questions… dry-lock bandage

  • Remove bandage carefully after 4 hours (if the tattoo is finished after 5pm it is ok to sleep with the bandage on).
  • Wash Tattoo thoroughly with unscented soap and warm water (shower is recommended)
  • Pat dry, do not rub, do not re-bandage
  • Carefully apply a thin layer of plain white, unscented lotion, or Aquaphor twice a day until healed. No aloe vera, vitamin E or Vaseline on a healing tattoo.
  • Your tattoo may weep a little ink and blood for up to 48 hours, this is normal
  • Do not swim or soak in bathtubs, pools, jacuzzis, the ocean, etc. until tattoo is fully healed, at least two weeks. Showers are okay.
  • Do not expose new tattoo to direct sunlight for one month. Do not apply sunblock to a tattoo until fully healed.
  • Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. It may flake or scab, this is normal.
  • Be conscious of your healing tattoo at all times. Do not over sweat, do not touch with dirty hands. Use common sense and treat the tattoo like you would any skin abrasion keeping it clean.
  • Please follow the directions on this form.
  • Be aware and contact the shop if you notice signs or symptoms or minor or major infection, including, but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards your heart, elevated body temperature, purulent drainage from the procedure site. These signs and symptoms may indicate the need to seek medical care.
  • It is also worth noting that following each completed tattoo, your artist will go over the same information listed in somewhat greater detail.

Tegaderm (saniderm)

  • Tegaderm, a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-4 DAYS do not lift it, change it or remove it.
  • The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets and loved ones from coming in contact with the excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo. Do not be alarmed, It’s normal for the tattoo to have layers of blood and fluid visible under the bandage.
  •  You can perform all your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.
  • Showering will not affect Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normal while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
  • After 3-4 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off of your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
  •  After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while doing so do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.
  • After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. For the next 7-10 days, apply a thin layer of hand lotion (use an unscented, colorless lotion ( Jergens, Lubriderm, Nivea, or Noxzema ) when it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.

How long should I leave the clear bandage on my tattoo?

This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.

– After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr.

Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.

  • Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
  • Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
  • Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
  • DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
  • After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.

During healing do NOT:

  • Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
  • Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
  • Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
  • Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)
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When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.

  1. Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible;
  2. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days;
  3. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment;

If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).

  1. This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order;

Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.

Can I shower with Tegaderm?

Your tattoo artist should let you know which type of bandage they used (dry-lock or tegaderm) on your tattoo but feel free to contact your artist if you have any questions… dry-lock bandage

  • Remove bandage carefully after 4 hours (if the tattoo is finished after 5pm it is ok to sleep with the bandage on).
  • Wash Tattoo thoroughly with unscented soap and warm water (shower is recommended)
  • Pat dry, do not rub, do not re-bandage
  • Carefully apply a thin layer of plain white, unscented lotion, or Aquaphor twice a day until healed. No aloe vera, vitamin E or Vaseline on a healing tattoo.
  • Your tattoo may weep a little ink and blood for up to 48 hours, this is normal
  • Do not swim or soak in bathtubs, pools, jacuzzis, the ocean, etc. until tattoo is fully healed, at least two weeks. Showers are okay.
  • Do not expose new tattoo to direct sunlight for one month. Do not apply sunblock to a tattoo until fully healed.
  • Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. It may flake or scab, this is normal.
  • Be conscious of your healing tattoo at all times. Do not over sweat, do not touch with dirty hands. Use common sense and treat the tattoo like you would any skin abrasion keeping it clean.
  • Please follow the directions on this form.
  • Be aware and contact the shop if you notice signs or symptoms or minor or major infection, including, but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards your heart, elevated body temperature, purulent drainage from the procedure site. These signs and symptoms may indicate the need to seek medical care.
  • It is also worth noting that following each completed tattoo, your artist will go over the same information listed in somewhat greater detail.

Tegaderm (saniderm)

  • Tegaderm, a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-4 DAYS do not lift it, change it or remove it.
  • The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets and loved ones from coming in contact with the excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo. Do not be alarmed, It’s normal for the tattoo to have layers of blood and fluid visible under the bandage.
  •  You can perform all your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.
  • Showering will not affect Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normal while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
  • After 3-4 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off of your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
  •  After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while doing so do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.
  • After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. For the next 7-10 days, apply a thin layer of hand lotion (use an unscented, colorless lotion ( Jergens, Lubriderm, Nivea, or Noxzema ) when it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.

Is Tegaderm good for open wounds?

Can I use 3M™ Tegaderm™ Film Dressing over an infected wound? NO – 3M™ Tegaderm™ Film Dressing is contraindicated for use on infected wounds.

Does Tegaderm hurt to remove?

Vapour-permeable film dressings (such as Tegaderm, 3M, Op-Site Post-Op, Smith & Nephew) can be painlessly and safely removed by lifting a corner of the dressing and stretching it parallel to the skin while supporting the rest of the dressing with the fingers or thumb of the other hand.

Can you overlap Tegaderm?

Method #3 : Covered Protection – Tegaderm made by 3M, found in your bandaid department, in conjunction with Aquaphor, will heal your tattoo in just 1 week, while bypassing the pealing and itch faze completely. So what you see when you leave with your fresh tattoo ink, is what you will see when you heal it this way.

  • It is also waterproof, so you may swim with the bandage on, but not the last 3 days;
  • Simply cover your tattoo and 1/4″ beyond that with a thin layer of aquaphor, then cover your tattoo and 1″ beyond that with tegaderm;

It will not stick to areas covered by ointment, so we are leaving a dry border around the outside of the tattoo for it to stick. You can cut the tegaderm to fit, or overlap them for larger areas. The first layer is applied the day of application, left on for 24 hours, then removed, washed, and air dried.

  • The second layer you will apply the same way, after it has air dried, using the ointment and tegaderm, but left on for 3 full days or 72 hours;
  • During the covered method, the tattoo will ooze and seep beneath the bandage, which is good for it;

Leave this funk inside the bandage and do not remove until it is time. After completing both bandages and 4 days of covering, you may either then just use aquaphor 1x per day or coconut oil 3x per day for 3 more days. Reasons I choose this method : 

  • Tattoo will be exposed in work or other environment that can potentially set up infection
  • Tattoo is done watercolor style with light washes trailing out
  • Tattoo is super saturated with color and do not want to risk peal out
  • Tattoo is in a tender skinned area that has a high risk of rubbing or scabbing
  • Just to heal a tattoo faster and more conveniently with the best outcome