Tegaderm Aftercare Procedure
1. Your artist has likely applied the 1st round of Tegaderm. Remove the bandage after 12 - 24 hours.
~ When removing Bandage, the easiest way is in the shower or using warm running water.
- Start at a corner and slowly pull the Bandage along the skin, not away from the skin.
- Move slowly and in small sections until Bandage is fully removed.
2. Wash the tattoo with warm water and soap. Avoid soaps with fragrances. Fully dry the tattoo.
3. Reapply the 2nd round of Tegaderm as it was explained by your artist.
Be sure the bandage covers the ENTIRE TATTOO and extends beyond the edges of the tattooed area.
4. Leave the 2nd round of Tegaderm on for 4-5 Days
- Fluid accumulation under the Bandage is NORMAL and should be expected.
- There may be a little, or a lot. There is no need for concern if you see fluid, this is your own blood plasma, white blood cells, enzymes, and excess pigment. It is working to rebuild your skin so LEAVE IT ALONE.
5. Remove the 2nd round of the Bandage on the 4th or 5th day and wash the tattoo, following the previous steps.
6. For the next 2-3 days, a tattoo healing balm like Redepmtion Tattoo Aftercare is advised. This will assist the final healing of the skin, while maximizing skin rejuvenation.
- Apply in very thin layers, 3 times a day. Morning, Noon, Night
7. Moisturize the tattoo with a plain lotion e.x. Eucerin, Lubriderm, Aveeno (NO COLOR / NO FRAGRANCE) Continue until no visible dryness or flakes are apparent
*If you experience and problematic skin irritation from the Tegaderm Bandage, remove it and contact your artist *
"Standard" Healing aka "Ointment" Healing
Some People don't like using Tegaderm or they have sensitive skin and the Tegaderm irritates it.
*It is important to note that I recommend using a quality tattoo healing balm such as Redemption Tattoo Aftercare. Most importantly, it is PETROLEUM FREE. Additionally, it USDA Certified Organic and only contains ingredients that are beneficial to healing the skin as well as reducing redness, swelling, and irritation.*
1. Leave the bandage on until you are home and able to safely clean the tattoo.
2. When removing the bandage, it may be stuck to the new tattoo due to dried blood / plasma. DO NOT force the bandage off.
-Use warm running water to loosen the bandage if needed.
3. Wash the tattoo with warm water and soap and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Avoid Fragrances
4. Apply a THIN layer of Redemption or other tattoo aftercare balm. This needs to be repeated periodically through the day, for 5 DAYS.
There is no exact number of times to reapply the aftercare balm, but the idea is to keep the tattoo moisturized. ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST!
- "Gobbing" a thick layer of balm on the tattoo to make the coating last longer is EXTREMELY BAD. The tattoo needs to be able to breathe.
-Think "chapstick thin" when applying the aftercare balm.
5. By the 5th day, the tattoo should have shed the top layer of skin by flaking away, or will be in the process of doing so. At this time switch to a plain moisturizing lotion
-ex. Eucerin, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Jergins
-Avoid Colors, Additives and Fragrances.
6. DO NOT swim or submerge your tattoo in water for 2 weeks. This includes pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, oceans etc. Showering is fine and recommended for hygiene.
7. DO NOT pick or scratch at the tattoo. It will itch and peel, all of which is normal. Remember "Peeling Means Healing!". You can slap the tattoo to alleviate itching or rub with an open hand. No nail on skin scratching!
8. DO NOT do any type of tanning during the healing process. Over exposure to sunlight will fade your tattoo over time. It's always recommended to keep SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen on your tattoo when out in the sun...FOREVER! This will help keep your tattoo looking vibrant.
9. Consult a physician in the event of any alarming healing issues.
