Second Skin Bandage

Leave the bandage on for at least 24 hours. I usually recommend keeping it on for 3-5 days. It is completely normal to see fluid seep from your tattoo underneath the bandage. Do not try to drain the bandage, the fluid build-up is normal and will dissipate on its own.

If the bandage begins to come off on its own, or the adhesive seal is broken, take it off.

When you are ready to remove your bandage, it is easier to do in the shower. Make sure your hands are clean before removing the bandage. Peel an edge or corner away from the skin, folding it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. 

Wash the area with warm water and unscented soap. Use clean fingers, not a washcloth or sponge. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow to air dry fully.

As needed, if the skin feels itchy, dry, or taught, you can apply a small amount of unscented water-based lotion. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based products. Avoid excess application of lotion to your tattoo.

If your tattoo forms any scabs, do NOT pick at them. Let them slough off on their own.

Absorbent Pad Bandage

Leave the bandage on for 4 to 12 hours. Once you are ready to remove the bandage, gently remove the pad with clean hands. Wash the area with warm water and unscented soap. Use clean fingers, not a washcloth or sponge. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow to air dry fully.

Do not apply any lotions or creams right away to your tattoo. I usually wait a day after removing the pad bandage before applying any lotions, but if you have particularly dry and sensitive skin you can wait a few hours and apply a very thin coating of unscented water-based lotion. Do not use vaseline or petroleum based products. Avoid excess application of lotion to your tattoo.

Within the next couple of days you will likely experience minor scabbing and flaking of the tattoo. This is totally normal. DO NOT pick at the scabs, allow them to slough off on their own.

Important Healing Tips

• For the first few nights, avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo.

• Do NOT pick at or scratch your tattoo!!! Picking at scabs can prematurely pull ink out of your tattoo. It’s totally normal for your tattoo to be itchy, but resist the urge to scratch!

• Keep it clean! Wash your tattoo once per day for the first 2 weeks. Do not scrub excessively, just gently clean with unscented soap.

• Do not submerge it in water for the first 2-4 weeks of healing. This means avoiding baths and swimming.

• Avoid excess sweating! If your tattoo does get particularly sweaty, clean it promptly with clean hands and unscented soap.

• Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 2-3 weeks. Do not apply sunscreen directly to the fresh tattoo, just try to keep it covered with clothing. Once the skin has healed over, apply sunscreen whenever you are exposing it to the sun.

• Avoid direct contact with pets - pet fur, dander, and saliva can cause infections to fresh tattoos. If your tattoo does come into contact with a pet, wash it immediately with unscented soap.

• Everything that touches your fresh tattoo should be clean. That means hands, clothing, bedsheets, towels, etc.

• Wear looser fitting breathable clothing. Cotton and natural fibres are best. Avoid tight clothing or hems that will rub against the tattoo. Avoid wearing a bra if it will come into contact with the tattoo. Avoid wearing shoes that will rub against the tattoo.

Touch Ups

Touch ups are free on all my tattoos, with the exception of fingers, palms, and feet.

Wait at least one month before getting a touch up, so that the tattoo has a chance to fully heal. If you want a touch up, or are unsure if you need one, please email me with a photo of your tattoo and Touch Up in the subject line.