Refined Precision Body Arts · Est. 2009

Healing

Aftercare

You'll go home with one of two methods: Saniderm (a clear second-skin bandage) or general aftercare. Follow the section that matches what was applied.

General instructions do not apply while Saniderm is on — but may apply once it comes off. Questions or concerns at any point during healing: text 419-513-9282. I'd much rather hear from you than have you guess.

Saniderm aftercare

How it's applied

I apply the Saniderm after your tattoo: the paper (bottom) side is removed and placed over your tattoo, then the clear plastic (top) side is peeled away, leaving a clear, breathable, flexible bandage.

The first 24 hours — the plasma stage

For up to 24 hours your tattoo will ooze plasma under the bandage. For small tattoos this may be very little; for larger ones it can be quite a bit. Both are normal.

If a bubble of plasma builds up, do not puncture the bandage — instead, gently squish the excess plasma toward the edge of the bandage and out to relieve the pressure and moisture.

At 24 hours — first bandage change

If your tattoo is small and barely leaked, you may not need a change yet — but most tattoos will. If you're uncomfortable changing it yourself or with help at home, come see me for a bandage change after the first 24 hours.

  1. Remove the first bandage. If it feels tight or hard to peel, do it in the shower — the steam helps.
  2. Wash. Use a natural, unscented soap (Dove, Dial, or something similarly gentle; vegan options are usually a safe bet). Avoid medical, pre-surgical, or post-surgical soaps — they tend to over-clean the skin and can interfere with how your next bandage adheres. Rinse, then let the area air-dry completely for a few minutes.
  3. Keep everything clean. This is the most important part. You — and anyone helping you — should read these instructions and wash your hands and any surfaces involved. Trapping germs under the bandage can cause complications.
  4. Apply the new bandage. With clean hands, peel the paper backing from the wavy side to reveal the sticky side. Place that side over the entire tattooed area, then remove the plastic top cover at the wavy seams on both sides. Press the corners flat so they adhere to the skin. For bigger tattoos that need more than one piece, repeat — it's fine if bandages overlap, as long as the whole tattoo is covered.

The second bandage stays on for about six days — as long as I recommend, or as long as you can keep it on and covering the tattoo until healed. While Saniderm is on, the general instructions don't apply; the bandage does the work. When it's time to remove it, repeat the wash, rinse, and dry.

Water

Saniderm is breathable and waterproof, but only so waterproof. If a crease lets water in, it can get trapped against your tattoo. Showering is fine, but avoid submerging the tattoo in any body of water — baths, pools, lakes. If your tattoo is below the elbow, that includes washing dishes. Once all scabs have healed and fallen off, you're free to resume normal activity.

When the last bandage comes off

If a few paper-thin scabs remain, they're usually right about to fall off and just need a day or two of general aftercare to finish. Switch to general aftercare at that point.

Angry scabs

If you've accidentally bumped or irritated the tattoo and have one or two raised, angry scabs, it's sometimes best to ask for an extra Saniderm bandage — at least for that area — to avoid a touch-up and help it heal. Things like this happen, and I want your tattoo to heal beautifully. I don't mind giving you an extra bandage or two.

If you live far away and can't get more Saniderm, you can order it online overnight. This is occasionally recommended for bigger pieces or areas likely to need a fresh bandage, but usually isn't necessary.

General aftercare

First, the wrap

Keep your temporary bandage on for 30–90 minutes. Then remove it somewhere clean, wash your hands, and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and an all-natural, unscented soap. Pat dry — and do not re-bandage.

The plasma stage

Your tattoo will ooze plasma for up to 24 hours. During this time, pat it dry with a clean paper towel and wash it occasionally until the oozing stops. Once it begins looking dry and the plasma stage is over, you can start applying ointment.

Treat it like an open wound

This is the single most important thing to remember: your tattoo is an open wound, and anything that touches it is a potential source of contamination. Keep your hands, clothes, and bedsheets clean, and make sure anything that contacts the tattoo is clean too. Your hands are the biggest risk — always wash them before cleaning the tattoo or applying ointment. Never do anything to a tattoo that you wouldn't do to stitches.

Ointment

Use something made specifically for tattoos. I carry all-natural options, and there are several others I'd consider safe — but there are also products I would not recommend, so ask if you're unsure. Apply 2–4 times a day (sometimes more), as needed for your skin and the location. Rub it in like lotion or sunscreen until it's flush with the skin. You want the area moisturized but not dry — and not over-saturated either. Everyone's skin is different, so listen to your body about when it needs more or less.

Do

  • Shower normally.
  • Let it breathe — it needs air to heal.
  • Wash with clean hands and soap right away if something harmful touches it.

Don't

  • Don't use a washcloth or anything abrasive.
  • Don't cover it with any bandage during general aftercare — that risks suffocating or over-saturating the area.
  • Don't use lidocaine; it restricts blood flow, and blood flow is needed to heal.
  • Don't pick, scratch, or soak it.
  • Avoid hot tubs, pools, baths, and any body of water — soaking can damage the tattoo and introduce bacteria into the wound.
  • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for a few weeks; avoid tanning lotions, sunscreens, anything scented, and sand until all scabs have healed. Once fully healed, sunscreen is your friend for protecting against fading and sun damage.
  • Avoid tight clothing or anything that rubs the tattoo. If it hurts or feels uncomfortable, it's probably causing damage — whether you can see it or not.

Pets and kids

They don't know better and can introduce bacteria. If the tattoo is on your foot and you have little ones or pets at home, a loose, comfortable pair of socks around the house helps.

Less is more

The most natural healing process is best — you're simply helping your body do what it already does. All-natural, unscented soaps and ointment are recommended. Too much product can be as harmful as none at all, so listen to your body about when it needs more or less.

Touch-ups

When healing with general aftercare, touch-ups in certain areas aren't unusual, but good care can usually prevent them — it depends on the area and how well aftercare is followed. Always reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you think you need a touch-up.