After care

Healing with Second Skin

The brand of bandage that I use is called RECOVERY. It is a clear, plastic bandage, latex free, that can remain on the tattooed area for up to five days maximum.

You may notice what is called an ink sac developing underneath the bandage. This is extra ink, blood, and plasma that your body has naturally expelled in the first 24-48 hours. This is completely normal, and, in fact, beneficial to the healing process.

Remove your bandage before the five day mark if:

  • The ink sac begins to leak out.

  • Any shower water leaks in.

  • The bandage begins to peel up exposing any of the ink sac or tattoo itself.

  • You have an adverse reaction to the adhesive.

    • Sensitive skin area’s may not like the adhesive to remain for long. If you develop any irritation or redness along the edges of the bandage, this is a sign your skin has had enough of the adhesive and it would be beneficial to remove it.

    • In the case that you do experience irritation from the bandage, you may retain a redness to the area after the bandage removal. This redness will subside on it’s own.

The best way to remove the bandage is while in the shower. Let some warm, not hot, water fall onto the area to help release the adhesive from your skin.

Once the bandage is removed, you’ll want to care for your tattoo for the next two weeks with the standard care instructions below.

Standard Healing

After your bandage is removed, or if you prefer not to use the bandage at all, you’ll want to follow the below instructions for the first two weeks.

Two or three times a day, wash your tattoo with DIAL GOLD ANTIBACTERIAL, UNSCENTED SOAP. Clean the area in a soft, circular motion. Do not aggressively rub or scratch the area.

You will notice your tattoo becoming dry and flaky during the healing process. This is normal and is always to be expected. DO NOT pick or itch the skin away, allow it to fall away naturally.

The dryness my result in an uncomfortable itch, especially with heavily shaded pieces. To alleviate some of the itchiness you can use a very small amount of an unscented lotion with no petroleum. The brand I recommend is LUBRIDERM, UNSCENTED.‍ ‍

Things to avoid

There are a few things you should avoid during your healing process to ensure the best heal possible.

For the first two weeks DO NOT:

  • Go swimming.

  • Soak the area.

  • Allow long-term sun exposure.

Be mindful of the location of your piece and what clothing may irritate the area. Avoid tight-fitting clothing around the area, and make sure delicates like bras, or binders are clean should they come into contact with the piece.

Tattoo infection is extraordinarily rare, though when it does happen the leading cause is pet dander and pet fur. We all love our furry family members, but make sure they do not lick, scratch or rub against your fresh tattoo. If your pets sleep in bed with you, make sure to change your sheets and keep them clean during the healing process.

Florida is a vacation destination, and some of you may be booking your appointment in anticipation for your trip down here. Keep in mind that you should not go to the beach, pools, and/or any of the theme parks with a fresh tattoo. Let me know what your schedule is like for your visit, and we’ll make sure your tattoo appointment happens after all the fun Florida activities you have planned.

If you have any questions or concerns about your healing piece, please feel free to contact me at any time.