Aftercare

Remove the bandage after two to three hours. Wash the tattoo with mild antibacterial soap and warm water, carefully cleaning off all of the blood and plasma. Rinse the tattoo well with cold water then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, and allow the tattoo to air-dry.

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a brand new piece of plastic wrap. Do not use ointments or moisturizer during this step.

For the next 2 days the tattoo will be completely covered with plastic wrap. It is very important to remove the wrap and wash the tattoo well every 4–6 hours (except during sleep max 8 hrs). Let it completely air dry after each washing then apply a new piece of plastic wrap. Make sure it’s a new piece every time. While showering make sure the tattoo is the last thing washed and use antibacterial soap to wash the tattoo.

After the two days of washing and re-wrapping, discontinue use of plastic wrap. Switch to washing 2–3 times a day and applying a mild unscented moisturizer to the tattoo. Don’t use too much moisturizer. Use just enough to make the tattoo scabs flexible so they don’t crack and break. If the reapplying of moisturizer is needed, make sure to wash the previous moisturizer off before applying new moisturizer.

Continue washing and using moisturizer till all of the scabs fall off and peeling is done. The tattoo will flake and peel much like a sunburn while it heals. Itchiness is normal but DO NOT pick the tattoo. Some people find that after the scabs and peeling have fallen off, an opaque film may be left that hides a portion of the ink. This film is the new skin growing over the tattoo and it should resolve itself in a few weeks.

Healing time is different for everyone but is usually between 7–14 days.

Gently clean and pat dry the tattoo and surrounding area, ensuring there is no soap or any residue on the skin. With clean gloves, remove Derm Shield from the sterile pouch. Cut the Derm Shield to cover the tattooed area plus a 1 to 2 inch margin from the edge of the tattoo. Peel off backing to expose the adhesive side and position the Derm Shield over the tattoo with the adhesive side facing the skin. Gently apply using light pressure, starting from the center to the edges to eliminate air bubbles. Do not stretch the Derm Shield during application.

The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours, depending on level of fluid build up. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

Gently remove the Derm Shield by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards.  

A second application can be used for 4-7 days. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.

The Derm Shield should be removed completely if it leaks fluids out of the edges, tears, or exposes your tattoo in any way.

DO NOT soak tattoo in water. Examples include but are not limited to: swimming, saunas, bathtubs.

DO NOT touch the tattoo with dirty hands.

DO NOT pick and scratch your tattoo. Picking any of the scabs off will result in faded missing color and/or damage to the skin.

DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other product to your tattoo that you have not discussed with the artist.

DO NOT allow direct sun on a fresh tattoo.