Aftercare

If applied, remove the Saniderm gently. Wash the tattoo area with mild antibacterial soap and allow the area to dry. Once dry, apply a second sheet of Saniderm. This will stay on for up to 6 days and see you through the peeling stage. The best way to remove Saniderm is to find an edge of the bandage and then to pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so we don’t recommend it. We suggest removing the Saniderm in a warm shower. The warm water will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove. Make sure that you properly apply the Saniderm bandage (all edges are sealed) and leave at least 1 inch of buffer area around the tattoo. 

3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.

4. Once the tattoo is dry apply healing ointment. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the ointment for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand.

5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove it. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper tower or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface or the skin.

6. Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten-day of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, the lotion may cause acne-like breakouts. This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day.

7. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo need not be rebandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe, or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used.

8. After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on their own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. It is not recommended to do a strenuous activity such as sports, working out or anything that makes you sweat, to be in direct sun or go in any body of water including a pool for the first month as this could lead to infection and the loss of color in your tattoo. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact your artist directly or the shop. Please do not consult your friends about healing issues, as everyone’s experience is unique. Our artists are more than happy to help with any concerns you might have. Signs and symptoms of infection, include, but not limited too, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature or purulent drainage from the procedure site. please seek medical advice if you have any of these signs and symptoms. If you have a concern any that your tattoo is infected, please contact your doctor as we are not medical professionals. 

Mr Grouch Tattoos: 903-879-4336

Seek medical care if you experience any signs and symptoms of infection.