Aftercare

 Recovery-derm / Tatu-derm / Sani-derm:

Recovery-derm (and other similar products) is a  a medical grade self-adhesive bandage. It is water resistant and hypo-allergenic. This wrap allows your skin to breathe, but protects it from the environment. Because of this, it is safe to keep Tatu-Derm on for 3 to 5 days, but if it is bothering you, remove it and follow the traditional aftercare instructions (found below).

When the tattoo feels closed — dry and less sensitive — then you should remove the bandage. This is typically 3 to 5 days after being wrapped. Remove Recovery-Derm carefully - don't rip off like a band aid. Peel the Recovery-Derm back gently from the edge along itself, as opposed to away from the skin. Warm, soapy water will help break down the adhesive. Removing in the shower is recommended because of this, but not required. After removal, clean the adhesive off the area gently but thoroughly using mild, non-scented (antibacterial) soap. The tattoo should be mostly healed, but some areas may still be in the initial stages. Pick up with normal aftercare where you are in the healing process.

Keep your eye on the wrap. Make sure it stays covering the tattoo completely. If the edges begin to peel that is alright. You can leave as is or carefully cut away any loose edges. Remove immediately if:

• The tattoo becomes exposed / the seal is compromised (if wrap peels back exposing part of the tattoo).

• Water or fluid pools up larger than size of a half dollar or more under the bandage.
  It is completely normal for some plasma to leak from the tattoo (making the tattoo appear blurry). It doesn’t mean your tattoo is bleeding out or disappearing. 
• The skin feels irritated by the bandage itself. It is uncommon, but some people may be sensitive to the wrap / the adhesive. The tattoo will be itchy and the bandage may be an annoyance, but if you see a rash forming under the bandage or it feels painful, remove right away.

If any of the above happen or you remove the wrap early for any reason, follow the traditional care below.


Traditional care (if Recovery-derm was removed or not put on):

For the first three days, wash the tattoo with a mild, non-scented (antibacterial) soap three to four times a
day. If possible, let it air dry for about 10 minutes and apply a very small amount of A&D Ointment,
Aquaphor, or Vasline to your new tattoo. You don’t want to use too much - less is more. Ideally,
your skin will just have little to no shine. Using too much can result in "tattoo pimples". If you begin to break out in the surrounding area, this is due to clogged pores. This should not affect the tattoo healing (but if you are concerned, please reach out). If this occurs, give the tattoo plenty of time to "dry out" by applying little to no ointment to the area. Continue to wash. Switching to a lotion can often help.

While caring for tattoo, be careful not to scratch the area, as abrasion can pull the ink out of the skin.
After approximately five to seven days, the tattoo should begin to peel, a bit like a sunburn. At this point switch to
a plain, non-scented lotion (recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizer or Vaseline brands).

A tattoo is an open wound, so treat it as one. Avoid anything that breeds bacteria, such as pools, hot
tubs and even placing it on a restaurant table. Harsh chemicals or scents will irritate it and make the area
burn. Treat your tattoo well, and you should heal smoothly.

The entire process will generally take between seven to ten days. However, it can take up to two weeks
to a month depending on your skin. As well as style and size of tattoo.