***How well a tattoo heals is considered 60% how well tattoo artists executed the tattoo, and 40% how well the client takes care of it. Please take extra care to make sure your tattoo heals in clean and beautiful
Tegaderm, a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo and help it heal in the easiest & fastest way possible.
Leave the Tegaderm on for 5-6 DAYS do not lift it, change it or remove it. Be carful of anything that can peel up the edges of the wrap, for example: direct hot shower water, changing clothing, rubbing it against surfaces accidentally. Be especially careful in the shower because excessive heat and duration will weaken the adhesive.
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.
If your tattoo is weeping excessively, and lots of liquid builds up underneath the wrap forming a sort of “bubble”, then use a sterilized needle of some sort to poke the wrap off to the side of the tattoo, where you can GENTLY push the liquid out and soak it up with a clean paper towel.
Be extremely careful to pull the wrap off slowly and only after running warm water over it for at least 1 minute, in the sink or with a shower (low pressure)
After the warm water loosens the adhesive adequately, I suggest putting on a song and taking the duration of the song’s length to peel it off.
After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water, then wash carefully using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while washing, and DO NOT use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes
Do not dry your tattoo with a bath towel, Dry the area surrounding your tattoo and let it fully air dry (usually takes about 20 minutes) OR use a fresh and sterile paper towel and pat it dry carefully.
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 lotion when needed.
You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.
Use a lotion/lubricant only once or twice a day only when it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally, and make sure to not over-moisturize, as this actually inhibits the healing process.
LOTIONS: I recommend grapeseed oil, or any product made specifically for tattoo. Other options include: neosporin, organic coco butter, and unscented/color-less lotions.
Do not use aquphor or other “gels” for this method of healing.
Avoid overdoing it with the lotion, this point is extremely important! An overly moisturized tattoo will not heal well, just apply a very thin layer when needed to avoid scabbing. Keep doing this until your tattoo is fully healed!
When the surface of your tattoo looks fully healed, it will be healing under your skin for 2-4 months so be carful to not scratch it, sunburn it, bruise it, etc.
The most important thing of all is keeping your tattoo clean and sanitized so prioritize that over everything!
Keep your tattoo out of the sunas much as possible especially for the first 3 weeks.
Do not submerge your tattoo in water. Stay away from baths, hot tubs, pools, the ocean, etc. You can still shower and let water run over it, but be careful.
Please wait at least 7 days before exercising. Sweating and moving the skin too much can cause the wrap to come off early and let contaminants and bacteria in. Every tattoo is different, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid the exercise if: It will make the skin beneath your tattoo wrap sweat, it stretches or pulls at the tattoo at all, the body part your exercising is close to the tattoo.
Do not let the hot shower water hit the tattoo directly.
Be mindful and remember that a little sacrifice early on can lead to your tattoo looking better for the rest of your life!
Feel free to email or DM me with any other questions!
SUEDESILVER@GMAIL.COM