Tegaderm Aftercare

You just got a new tattoo, and now you need to know how to take care of it. Don't worry - I've got you covered. If you left the studio with Tegaderm or another adhesive wrap, you're in the right place. 

If you left the studio with a disposable wrap, you can find instructions for that aftercare method here. 

Soap

Select an unscented antibacterial soap, like Dial Gold. Soaps with dyes and scents will cause dryness and discomfort, which may delay the healing process.

Paper Towels

Clean paper towels of any brand will do. Refrain from using cloth towels, as these will leave lint and debris in the wound and may lead to infection.

Lotion

The lotion you choose should be unscented and free of dyes. Organic alternatives, such as cocoa butter, Ohana Tattoo Butter, and TruBee Ointment are also acceptable.

Tattoos take an average of two weeks to heal. This time varies from person to person and is affected by your immune system. Some medical conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, arterial diseases, and autoimmune diseases, can contribute to a longer healing period. If at any point in the healing process you have concerns about how your tattoo is healing, please reach out to us - we are here to help. 

Tegaderm is a waterproof, sterile wrap that protects your tattoo from external contaminants including liquids, bacteria, and viruses. The bandage you left the studio with should be left on for 3-5 days after your appointment, during which time fluid will accumulate in the bandage. If the seal breaks and the wrap begins to leak, remove the bandage immediately and follow the removal instructions below.
 

1. Run warm water over the wrap for several minutes. This can be done in a tub or sink but is often easiest in the shower.
2. Wash your hands with soap.
3. Gently pull/roll the edge of the wrap until it begins to peel back. Allow water to run over the area as you continue to slowly pull until the entire wrap has been removed.
4. Wash your tattoo with warm water and soap, then pat dry with a paper towel. 
5. Apply lotion to the area. Do not wrap or bandage your tattoo. Continue to regularly wash and apply lotion to your tattoo for the next two weeks.

Note: If your tattoo becomes stuck to your clothing or bedsheets, get in the shower with the cloth article and turn the water on. Allow the tattoo to get wet before attempting to remove the fabric. 

Once the wrap has been removed, it is normal for tattoos to peel and for some amount of scabbing to occur. Flakiness and scabs will resolve on their own as the tattoo finishes healing. Never scratch or pick at your healing tattoo. Doing so will result in loss of pigment and scarring. 

Standing water harbors bacteria that can lead to an infection when exposed to an open wound, such as a healing tattoo. Even while your tattoo is wrapped, avoid submerging your tattoo in standing water (baths, pools, natural bodies of water, etc.) for the full duration of your healing.

UV exposure damages skin and will negatively impact the healing and aging of your tattoo. Avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun and other sources of UV exposure during the healing period. For the longevity of your tattoo once healed, avoid UV exposure. Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen as directed when exposure is unavoidable.