AFTERCARE

SANIDERM:

-Leave on for 4-5 days.
-You can shower as normal with it on, just try not to get the stream of water to bead right onto the derm. NO BATHS.
-When it’s time I like to take the derm off in the shower, I feel the steam & warm water helps the derm lift off easier and if there is any plasma/blood about to leak out of the derm then you are already somewhere where you can rinse the tattoo safely and easily.
-Wash with mild soap & air dry or pat with a paper towel.
-Apply non-scented & water based lotion onto the tattoo a couple times a day for another week or two. (Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Aveeno are good!)
-NO working out for 3-4 days after.
-NO baths, saunas, hot tubs, pools, lakes, & oceans for 3-4 weeks.

Congratulations on Your New Tattoo!

I take the utmost care and use the highest quality standards before, during, and after tattooing to minimize trauma to your skin and ensure a clean, safe process. However, once you leave the studio, your tattoo is exposed to the outside world—where germs are abundant! Proper aftercare is crucial for successful healing.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Tattoo

After completing your tattoo, I will rinse it with an antiseptic solution and apply a breathable, medical bandage (example: Saniderm). This protective wrap keeps germs out while trapping blood, ink, and lymph fluid to promote healing. Think of it as a protective layer for your fresh tattoo. Ideally, the bandage stays on for the first 4–5 days, though leaving it longer won’t harm your tattoo—it might just irritate the edges of the adhesive.

It’s normal for a mix of fluid and ink to collect under the bandage. This may look thick or maybe that ink fell out, but it’s totally normal! Fluid buildup typically subsides within 24–48 hours.

If the wrap starts to leak, remove the bandage and either apply a new one (you can find Tegaderm at CVS or Walgreens in the wound care section) or finish the healing following the “Traditional Aftercare” method.

Healing Guidelines for Your New Tattoo

To ensure proper healing, I recommend following these precautions for the first 10–14 days:

• Avoid direct sun exposure completely. Instead, cover your tattoo with clean, breathable clothing—no sunscreen yet.

• Skip intense workouts and avoid physical contact with shared gym equipment.

• Steer clear of water activities like swimming or soaking, as well as gardening or outdoor activities involving dirt.

• Limit close contact with pets or animals to prevent contamination.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Be alert for the following symptoms, which may indicate an infection:

• Pus drainage

• Fever

• Significant inflammation or tenderness

• Extended redness or swelling

• Red streaks radiating toward the heart

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately. Minute clinics and urgent care centers are excellent options for quick treatment.

Important Note: If a physician needs to address your tattoo for any reason, please let me know! Your health is the priority, and any necessary adjustments to your tattoo can always be made later.