With Recovery Derm Bandages

1.  Leave the bandage on for 2-3 days. You can shower as normal with the bandage on, but it can not be submerged at all (including standing and letting the shower run directly onto the tattoo!). There will most likely be fluid under the bandage, it may appear brown which is totally normal. Do not puncture the bandage to release the fluid.

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If any fluid leaks from the bandage, remove the bandage right away and move on to the next steps of yuor aftercare. You can also order Recovery Derm Shield, or pick up a Tegaderm prodcut at Walgreens to patch the bandage where it has leaked. 

 

Some clients with adhesive sensitives may have a reaction to the bandage. If your skin becomes red, irritated, itchy, etc from the bandage please remove it. Let me know during our next session and we will use another kind of bandage. 

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2. Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands. Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water (Dial original/Dr. Bronners baby version). I recommend taking the bandage off in the shower, it helps to stretch it like a 3m command strip to release the seal. Take your time! It can sting, so take your time. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a CLEAN towel. 

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3. Apply a small amount of plain fragrance free lotion or Hustle Butter. Hustle Butter is sold at our shop. Rub it in completely to your tattoo and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 1-2 times a day (as needed only if your tattoo is dry) for 4 weeks after your tattoo.

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4. Continue using moisturizer for the course of a month after receiving your tattoo. You will likely need to moisturize your tattoo fewer times as it continues to heal. A dry flaky layer of skin will form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally. Small flecks of color will come off during this process : this is normal and is not the ink coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when healed and could create scarring. Apply moisturizer only as needed when your tattoo feels itchy, dry or tight. 

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5. Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts and may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is healed. After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Excessive exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoos appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 applied every 2 hours.

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6. No hot tubs, saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water for long periods of time. Doing so can prematurely remove a scab and negatively affect the look of your healed tattoo.

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7. Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly(particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.

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8. Please call the shop or email me at tiana@jackalopetattoo.com with any questions!