Aftercare

WHILE IT’S ON

There’s no need to wash or lotion your tattoo while the bandage is on.
You can bathe as normal but avoid soaking in water.
If your bandage fills with plasma, affectionately called an “ink sack” don’t be alarmed. This is not harmful to your tattoo. Plasma is your body’s response to aid healing your wounds, but by day 3 the plasma begins to break down and is no longer beneficial. You may leave an ink-sack on for just 3 days. DO NOT POP, this will contaminate it.
If you notice water has seeped into the bandage after bathing this means the seal has been broken and the bandage needs to be removed immediately because it has been contaminated with outside bacteria.

REMOVAL

Directions say you’re allowed to leave it on for 7 days if there’s no irritation and no fluid trapped within. Most people leave it on for 3-4 days.
Remove during/after a warm shower, this may make the adhesive easier to work with.
Removing the bandage can be done whichever way is most comfortable. Some prefer peeling it back on itself, other’s like to pull away from the tattoo. Don’t just pull straight out.

LONG TERM

After removal, begin normal aftercare of washing daily with a plain soap. A more moisturizing soap like Dove, Ivory, or Aveeno may be preferred at this stage you find Dial Antibacterial soap drying to the skin.
After washing and drying, use a plain unscented lotion 2-3 times a day. It’s better to apply a thin amount more frequently than a lot at once. Lubriderm, Eucerine, Cetephil are ideal. Aquaphor is popular but we only recommend using it VERY thin/sparingly on mostly healed tattoos- it’s not good for a very fresh tattoo.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Leftover adhesive after removal. This will not effect the longterm healed results of your tattoo. Continue with normal aftercare of washing and moisturizing and it will gradually come off on its own. You’re allowed to pick off bits of adhesive, but don’t do anything that’s painful to your fresh tattoo.
Skin irritation. This rarely happens on the tattoo itself, but on the non-tattooed skin the bandage is touching. Remove the bandage if it’s making you uncomfortable. Some clients decide minor skin irritation is worth the benefits of the improved tattoo healing, that is up to each person and their personal reaction.