Saniderm Aftercare Instructions

Saniderm is a breathable, adhesive bandage for your tattoo. When you leave the shop, you will have a piece of Saniderm protecting your tattoo, and you will be given a second sheet to take home with you. You’ll notice that fluid will gather underneath of your Saniderm bandage during the first 24 hours; this is a mix of plasma, ink, and a minimal amount of blood, and is completely normal.

Approximately 24 hours after the completion of your tattoo, you will change the bandage. To do so, please follow the below instructions:

Wash your hands, and gently peel off the existing Saniderm. Wash the tattoo with gentle soap, and warm water. Make sure all the soap has been rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. The area must be completely dry, with no ointments or lotions. Peel the provided Saniderm, as shown at your appointment, and adhere it to your tattoo. If needed, have a friend help. Leave the second piece of Saniderm on for 4 to 5 days. After that time, gently and slowly peel off the Saniderm. If needed, you can do this in the shower, and it will help it peel off more easily. From here, you can apply lotion when needed, and enjoy your tattoo! Please notify your artist if you have an allergy to adhesives - if so, Saniderm is NOT recommended for you.

For some smaller tattoos, changing the Saniderm is not necessary and you may keep it on for 4 days.

 

Standard Aftercare Instructions

Upon arriving home, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and gently remove your tattoo bandage. Wash your new tattoo using just your clean hands, with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, making sure to lather the soap and rinse thoroughly. After washing, pat dry gently with a clean paper towel, and rub in a small amount of Aquaphor healing ointment. Throughout the following days, be sure to wash your tattoo a total of 2 to 3 times per day, and follow with a small amount of Aquaphor each time. After 3 days, you may begin to use a fragrance-free lotion such as Aveeno, Lubriderm or Curel as needed or when the tattoo appears dry. After a few days, the skin over the tattoo will peel like a sunburn; this is normal. If you have a few spots that form scabs, it is important not to pick them, and allow them to form naturally.

After a short period of time, while your tattoo may look completely healed, the healing process will take a full four weeks so it’s important to remember the following:

  • Avoid getting dirt and fragrances into the tattoo.

  • Avoid soaking or submerging the tattoo in water such as a bath, pool, ocean, etc. Showers are fine!

  • Attempt to avoid excessive exercise in the area of the healing tattoo.

  • Avoid tight fitting clothing in the area of the tattoo. If clothing does get stuck to the tattooed area, make sure to wet the fabric, and very gently lift the stuck fabric away from the tattoo.

Not abiding by these instructions could potentially result in infection and /or a rough heal that may cause some ink to fall out. While in some cases these symptoms can be a part of the normal healing process, it is important to let your artist know and to seek the opinion of a medical doctor if you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, a bad smell, or have unusual bumps and lesions.

If you have any further questions on the healing process or need to reach your artist, please contact us!