THE HEALING PROCESS

Tattooing can take several weeks to fully heal, each persons healing process and retention is different. Its important to follow your aftercare instructions and remember that fading or blurring can happen depending on your skin type, body chemistry, lifestyle, placement, etc.

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Day 1-5

Its normal for your new tattoo to be red, tender and swollen for up tp 72 hours after your appointment. There may be oozing of blood, plasma or ink during this time. 

 

Day 5-15

As the tattoo heals, the top layer of skin may flake, peel or scab. Its important to leave these scabs intact.

 

Day 15-30

The visible signs of healing should be resolved by around 3 weeks post-appointment. Your tattoo may remain 'dull" in appearance for around 1.5 months as the skin regenerates. It can take 8 weeks to six months for your tattoo to be internally fully healed. 

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WHAT IS SANIDERM?

Saniderm is a tattoo aftercare bandage that creates a barrier around your freshly tattooed skin, protecting it from dust, bacteria, moisture, and other external irritants. This transparent aftercare bandage is completely waterproof yet breathable to ensure that the skin receives the airflow it needs to heal and remain sweat-free. Using a product like Saniderm’s aftercare bandage that is specifically designed for tattoo aftercare, allows your tattoo to heal safely and look like the masterpiece it is. 

 

Saniderm is included in your tattoo price and aftercare package.

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Saniderm Application

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- Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and then gently place over your tattoo

- Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the transparent second layer from the top side and smooth over the tattoo

Removing Saniderm

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The best way to remove your Saniderm bandage is to do it in the shower. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin. Find the edge of the bandage and gently pull back.

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How long should I keep my Saniderm bandage on?

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The first Saniderm bandage will be applied at the time of your appointment. Please leave this bandage on for 24 hours. You will know its time to change your bandage when the adhesive starts to break down. Tattoo 'weeping' is normal and healthy. The second bandage will be applied by you and should be worn for 3-6 days.

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Can I workout while I have my Saniderm on?

Yes- working out is fine. However, it is best to avoid working out as sweat can cause infections or loosen your bandage.

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Can I get the Saniderm wet?

Yes- however water will break down the adhesive and can let in unwanted contaminants. It is best to keep showers to a minimum and avoid hot water that can irritate your skin/ new tattoo. Never submerge your healing tattoo in any type of water and avoid sweating.

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Saniderm Irriation

 

 

 If you experience redness around your Saniderm bandage that lasts longer than a couple of days, you may be having a reaction to the adhesive on the bandage. Please remove the bandage if you feel like you’re having a reaction - you know your body best. 

If this happens to you, follow the aftercare instructions below for Day 6-14.

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'Weeping'

 

 

Weeping from your tattoo is a normal part of the healing process. This includes ink, plasma or blood. You do not need to be concerned about this or try to remove your Saniderm. However, if the 'weeping' is actually leaking out of your Saniderm, this means there is a hole in your bandage and containments can get in. Please remove your bandage if this happens. If this happens to you, follow the aftercare instructions below for Day 6-14.

 

Adhesive Problems

 

 

 If for some reason the liquid leaks out the bottom of the Saniderm, the Saniderm rolls up exposing the tattoo, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, you need to remove the Saniderm. 

 

If this happens to you, follow the aftercare instructions below for Day 6-14.

 

Keep your Saniderm as clean and dry as possible until it is time to remove it.

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DAY 1-2

Only touch your tattoo with clean, dry hands.

 

Keep the Saniderm that was applied at the time of your appointment on for 24 hours. If the tattoo is 'weeping' heavily, please remove and apply the 2nd bandage before 24 hours. 

 

Remove the bandage and use the wash provided to gently clean your tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel/paper towel. Apply a thin amount of the moisturizer provided. If you have oily skin or are in a humid area, skip this step. Avoid getting the moisturizer on the surrounding skin as your Saniderm will not stick to wet skin. Do NOT over moisturize, this can delay healing. 

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DAY 3-6

 

 

Keep your 2nd Saniderm bandage on for 3-6 days. 6 days is ideal.

You may notice some fluid buildup during this time. Dryness and cracking are normal.

 

If the skin appears irritated, there is heavy fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later. 

 

 Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. 

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DAY 6-14

 

 

Remove your Saniderm. And wash, dry and apply moisturizer as instructed on Day 1-2.

 

Clean - Dry - Moisturize - Repeat

 

Repeat this process until the tattoo is fully healed. Your tattoo is not fully healed or safe from bacteria until it has finished scabbing or peeling. This usually takes 2 weeks.

 

Peeling and itchiness is normal. Healing is different for everyone and can take several weeks.

IMPORTANT AFTERCARE REMINDERS

While healing, follow the below instructions:

 

                                         DO THIS...

 

• Only touch your tattoo with clean dry hands

• Follow the aftercare instructions

• Leave scabs intact

• Keep your tattoo out of the sun

• Keep your tattoo clean 

• Keep dust, animal hair, dirt away from your tattoo

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the tattoo area

 

 

                                       NOT THAT....

 

• Touch or play with your tattoo/ Saniderm

• Pick, scratch or pull at any scabs

• Rub or wash aggressively

• Sweat

• Over apply the moisturizer

• Sun exposure and always avoid tanning beds  

• Hot steamy showers/baths/saunas

• Submerge your tattoo for at least two weeks

• Direct shower spray 

• Freak out!

• Shave the area before two weeks

 

 

 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR RESULTS LOOKING GOOD LONGTERM:

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SUNSCREEN - After scabbing, apply an 50 SPF daily to prevent fading and discoloration of the area. Clothing that covers your tattoo can also help.

 

MOISTURIZE  - Both before and once healed, moisturized skin is healthy skin. Moisturizer also helps your tattoo stay vibrant. 

 

EXFOLIATION - Avoid exfoliating your tattoo area

 

TATTOO PLACEMENT - Certain areas of the body will fade faster than others due to sun exposure, exfoliation and skin density (i.e. fingers will fade faster because they are constantly being used, washed and exposed to the sun)

 

AFTERCARE - follow your aftercare for best healed results