CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW TATTOO!
You may be asking yourself what do I do now that we’re done? The good news is that healing your tattoo is a very simple process as long as you follow our instructions. We have two different methods of healing - the old fashioned way with saran wrap, or with a new product called Saniderm. Both techniques are easy to do, but also are the most important step in making sure your tattoo looks good for a long time. Unless you follow our instructions deligiently, we cannot guarantee your new tattoo and void any free touch-ups.
SANIDERM METHOD
Unless you have a sensitivity with adhesive, this will most likely be the way that we wrap up your fresh tattoo. Saniderm is medical-grade bandage specializing in reducing the risk of contaminants entering the wound site of the new tattoo. It protects your tattoo from dealing with any friction, as well as retaining moisture while everything heals. It also conveniently eliminates sessions of washing and applying aftercare to your tattoo! It traps the blood and plasma that naturally weeps from a new tattoo, which allows your body to avoid any scabbing or flaking. This allows the wound to stay hydrated, and heal much faster than the traditional method of caring for your tattoo. It is recommended to keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. If you notice an extra build-up of plasma or any leakage after the first day, you can reapply a fresh bandage after washing the blood off thoroughly. Do not put on a new bandage if your tattoo has reached the scabbing phase. At that point you will just want to wash your tattoo 3 times a day and keep moisturized.
Saniderm is safe to shower with, but not recommended to submerge underwater. Avoid any bathing or swimming while healing your new tattoo. Exercising is fine, however keep in mind that any extra water or sweat will weaken the bandage. It is best to keep the Saniderm clean and dry until you are ready to remove it.
HOW TO APPLY SANIDERM
Clean and dry your tattoo thoroughly.
Cut Saniderm with an extra inch or two of space around the tattoo.
Peel back off Saniderm and smooth bandage over new tattoo.
After applied, peel off the clear top layer of bandage.
Saniderm should be smooth with no wrinkles or bubbles for best results.
SANIDERM REMOVAL
After 3-4 days, it is time to remove your bandage! Always take off your Saniderm under warm water such as in the shower.
Find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself slowly and gently, following the direction of hair growth.
Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful! Never remove without warm, running water otherwise you can create abrasions on your skin.
Discard used bandage and proceed to wash your tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel.
If you notice that your tattoo feels dry or itchy, you can apply a small layer of water-based, fragrance-free moisturizer.
IF YOU DEVELOP AN ADVERSE REACTION, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY!
AFTER BANDAGE IS REMOVED
Your tattoo should be relatively healed at this point, however the layers of skin underneath the surface may still be healing for the next week or so. It is good to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized while your body continues to repair itself. If you notice any extra adhesive left behind, you can use either coconut oil or baby oil to help remove it off your skin.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS!
SERAN WRAP METHOD
This method will only be used by request if a client has an issue with adhesive or a preference for the good old fashioned way of healing their tattoo. Your body is going to do a good job healing up your wound as long as you focus on keeping it clean. It is normal for your tattoo to dry and start flaking. After this skin flakes off, you will notice the new skin underneath. This healing process takes about two weeks to complete.
Remove saran wrap after an hour in a sterile environment.
Wash your tattoo thoroughly in warm water with a fragrance-free, anti-bacterial soap. We recommend either Dial Gold, or Dr. Bronner’s unscented Castile soap. Without scrubbing, make sure to massage the soap into your tattoo in order to break down any dried plasma build up.
Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow tattoo to dry. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!
With clean hands, apply a thin layer of unscented, water-based lotion. Lubriderm is a great brand that won’t cause any irritation. If using a petroleum-based product such as A&D, please remember to apply a thin layer so your tattoo can breathe through it.
You can repeat these steps 3-4 times a day! Don’t stress and over wash your tattoo. Please make sure to clean your tattoo before reapplying any moisturizer, and to do everything with clean hands in a sterile environment. Do not pick or scratch at your new tattoo! This can pull out the ink, and create scars. If it feels dry and itchy, wash and moisturize as instructed.
No soaking in water! Showers are fine, but try to minimize the time your tattoo spends in the water stream. This means no baths, hot tubs, rivers, lakes, swimming pools, etc, until your tattoo has finished the flaking phase. It is important to avoid creating a wet scab.
Avoid direct contact with sunlight on the site of your new tattoo. After the healing process is over, applying sunscreen can help your tattoo not fade. Any tanning or sunburns will cause fading, even after your tattoo is done healing. Absolutely no spray tanning while having a fresh tattoo!
Avoid tight, restrictive clothing that can rub on your tattoo. Not only does this feel uncomfortable, it can irritate the tattoo.
Some bruising, swelling, and pain at the tattoo site is normal. However, if these symptoms persist past the first couple of days and get worse, it could be a sign of infection! Remember, it is rare to get an infection from just getting tattooed alone. Most infections result from a client error in their aftercare. If you think you might have an infection, please reach out to Nice Dream Tattoo or medical professional for advice.
CONSULT WITH YOUR ARTIST BEFORE DEVIATING FROM THESE INSTRUCTIONS!