Post tattoo wrap type

For Tegaderm/ Saniderm/second skin:

Leave your bandage on for 24 hours. You may take it off early or leave it on a bit longer if the 24 hours is not convenient for you. You will notice a build up of liquid (plasma) under the bandage, this is completely normal and natural. Leave it alone. If you notice any holes or rips in the derm, just take it off. You don’t want anything to get in and get trapped under the derm.

When you go to take the bandage off, it is best to do so under running water. Slowly peel it away from your skin as the water runs over top of it.

Tegaderm should be extremely comfortable to wear. If you are experiencing any discomfort, itchiness, rashing, etc remove immediately and begin general aftercare.

For Old School Saran Wrap:

Leave this bandage on for 1 hour. Once the bandage has been removed, wash your new tattoo with an unscented liquid soap. Run cold water over the tattoo to close up the pores. Blot it dry with paper towel. Avoid using lotion. I usually only wrap people this way for grey lines, which heal super fast.

For Puppy Pads:

Leave the bandage on for 5 hours - overnight. You can take it off before bed if it’s driving you crazy, but the pads will have the opportunity to soak up your plasma overnight, which is an advantage to healing for that first night while your tattoo is still weeping. In the morning you can take the bandage off.

General guidelines

Once the bandage has been removed, wash your new tattoo with an unscented liquid soap and blot it dry with paper towel. Make sure the lotion is well absorbed in the skin. Avoid lotion for the first 3 days. You can use lotion if you really want to, but only use a small amount. You want to keep your tattoo on the dry side as it’s healing. Lotion doesn’t help that much with healing, it only helps you with the itchiness.  Repeat washing 2-3 times a day for about a week or until you are done peeling.

If you find that the area is swollen and hot, using an ice pack can help relieve some discomfort.

Things to avoid:

• Do not soak your new tattoo in a bath or shower for too long. You will also want to avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans for 6-8 weeks.
• Try not to let your tattoo scab. If it does get thick in areas, avoid lotion, continue washing 3 times a day, and start using polysporin original cream (do not use any other types of polysporin)
• Do not tan or burn the skin. If you are out in the sun, use spf 60 or higher once your tattoo is completely healed. This will help keep the colours bright and the shades dark.
• Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo.
• Avoid anything tight fitted or that would be abrasive.
• Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, and colognes.
• Avoid the gym for a few days after. Your sweat is not good for a fresh tattoo.
• Do not re-bandage your tattoo with Saran Wrap, or anything like it.
• If you wash your laundry with scent boosters, try not to let the clothing sit on your fresh tattoo. The scent boosters can irritate.

Suggested soaps

• Soft soap
• Dial
• Cetaphil

Suggested lotions

• Vaseline brand lotion
• Glysomed
• Lubriderm
• Polysporin original cream