Derm Healing:
Keep on for 5 to 7 days for best results and heavy scab avoidance. The bandage will fill with a liquid ranging from red to black in color and can cover the whole tattoo. These are your healing juices: LET IT MARINATE. Do not drain the liquid.
What to expect:
DAY1-2: Leakage is common and will likely occur, this does not mean the seal is broken. Clean it up as best you can and if you are concerned you can cut a piece of your aftercare derm or hospital tape to secure the edge in question. The bandage is still soft at this point and can be prone to slipping so it's important to be careful with it in this stage.
DAY3-4: During these days the derm will harden and feel like it's tighten or shrunk/become dry. THIS IS A GOOD THING! This is the point we're it tricks your body into thinking there is a scab. This stage is the most uncomfortable part and you will be tempted to remove it. DONT. If you remove it, it's like "picking your scab" and a new scab will form.
DAY5-7: The end is in sight! It is now safe to remove your derm. Light peeling/scabbing can still occur but you've passed the heavy scab phase. Huzah!
The derm is water resistant, NOT water proof. This means you can get it wet, but avoid submersions.
WARNING: Allergic reactions may occur for some people. Signs to look for are extreme swelling, redness and a possible rash in the SHAPE of the bandage (pay attention to the corners not near the tattoo) and a chemical burn feeling. Should you feel like you are having a reaction please TEXT ME and send a photo before you remove your derm.
How to Change your bandage:
Should your bandage come off or if the seal breaks (tattoo is exposed) within the first 48 hrs a bandage change is in order:
Step 1: Remove current bandage; Do so in the shower if some parts are still attached, make sure you pull from the BOTTOM corner DOWN AND AWAY from the body to avoid waxing yourself.
Step 2: Wash tattoo and surrounding area with warm soapy water.
Step 3: Alcohol swab the ENTIRE tattoo and surrounding area (it will burn- just a heads up) and dry well with a paper towel. If soap residue is caught under the bandage it will cause a chemical reaction thus resulting in a rash and/or blisters, this is why we alcohol swab.
Step 4: Once completely dry, apply a new bandage. Bandages can be cut (follow the lines not against) and layered to fit awkward placements.
TIP: Make sure to leave about an inch of extra banadage around the tattoo in case fluid builds again and you need a place for it to pool. This can help prevent leakages.
Dry Healing:
Remove bandage after about 2 hrs. Clean with warm water and unscented soap. Pat dry with paper towel and let rest for 24hrs before applying recommended aftercare.
Apply aftercare 2 to 3 times a day. Rub into tattoo and dab off excess. Do not goop on. Do this for 7 to 10 days. Avoid submerging your tattoo for 4 weeks or until scab is gone. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.
NEVER use oil based products on tattoos, they have a slower absorption rate and can smother as well as attract foreign particles resulting in infection.
Touch ups are sometimes required especially for solid colored tattoos, please understand that many factors contribute to ink not taking and is always fixable. Please wait a min 2 months before booking your touch up.
Recommended Aftercare:
- Aquaphor
- Aveeno lotion (this for after scab is done)
- Polysporin CREAM - blue or light red tube!! DO NOT USE ointment (this is if minor signs of infection occur or if discomfort is still present after 3 days of healing.)
*NOTE: should your tattoo become infected (combo of any of the following: extreme redness, swelling, green/yellow liquid that has an odour, and severe pain) please seek medical attention and keep me in the loop on how you are doing*