Aftercare
After the tattoo procedure, your tattoo will be cleaned and covered with Tegaderm. It is a clear, waterproof, breathable, hypoallergenic, medical-grade wrap. The bandage is to be worn for 5 days. Here’s what is to be expected during healing.
What you can and should expect:
When the wrap is first applied you will be able to see your tattoo clearly for a couple of hours or maybe even for the rest of the day, the wrap is designed to keep all of the blood, plasma, and ink that is leaked from the tattoo inside the bandage so the tattoo can stay moisturized in your bodies own natural secretion and also stay clean and protected from the elements. DO NOT BE ALARMED when you wake up the next day and the wrap is full of a dark brownish liquid. It’s gross, I know but also completely normal.
Remove the bandage immediately if any portion of the tattoo becomes exposed. Usually, Tegaderm sticks to the skin very well but sometimes depending on placement or if your skin is more oily the bandage may come off in places, DO NOT TRY AND TAPE THE BANDAGE BACK DOWN once any bit of the tattoo is exposed it is very important to remove the bandage and to clean the area thoroughly and apply lotion. You do not want any bacteria under your bandage from outside exposure. It’s important to try and keep the bandage on for the full 5 days otherwise.
DO NOT: Leave Tegaderm on longer than recommended.
DO NOT: Apply salves or lotions in thick layers, the tattoo needs to breathe to heal.
NO: working out for three days.
NO: working out with excessive sweat while the Tegaderm is on.
NO: Picking, scratching, soaking, swimming, or sunning for two weeks. It is normal for the skin to itch during the healing process, rebuilding cells causes itching.
Removing Tegaderm:
When removing Tegaderm, I suggest getting in the shower and gently washing over the bandage with a loofah and antimicrobial soap (Dial, Soft-soap, and Meyers are all great products to choose from) until a corner starts to come up and gently work it off from there. Take your time, it sticks real good. Do not rip it off like a bandaid, by ripping the bandage off you may pull off scabs and set your healing process back by potentially weeks. After removing the Tegaderm apply an unscented (or naturally scented, alcohol-free) lotion enriched with Vitamin E oil to your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day for best results. Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Palmer’s Cocoa butter, and St. Ives are all wonderful choices.
This healing method is very new and may seem intimidating at first because it is so different from the glade wrap and A&D we all grew to know and love but I promise after one time healing a tattoo with Tegaderm and you will never want to heal a tattoo any other way and I am always here if you have any questions!
IMPORTANT: YOUR TATTOO IS PERMANENTE ALWAYS, contact me if you have any questions or concerns. If you are having an allergic reaction, feeling ill, or think your tattoo is infected see medical attention immediately. Allergic reaction or infection signs: oozing turns yellow/green, redness/inflammation that continues longer than one week, portions of the tattoo are completely fallen out with skin tissue in large areas. ALWAYS USE SUNBLOCK 60+ FOREVER AND APPLY SUNBLOCK OFTEN WHEN OUTDOORS!
Desiree Mattivi Tattoos 