Healing With Saniderm
Saniderm is a name brand for a product that is a clear, water-resistant bandage that provides excellent protection for your new tattoo during its early stages of healing.
Please leave the Saniderm on your new tattoo for 5 days, unless otherwise instructed by your artist at Avenue Tattoo Studio.
It is completely normal for Saniderm to fill with fluid after being tattooed - this is a mixture of your blood and blood plasma. It is not harmful. However, if your Saniderm fills excessively (common with color tattoos or large pieces), please revisit the shop and we will happily replace your bandage for you.
Saniderm is perfectly safe to keep on while showering, but please avoid submerging your new tattoo for a minimum of 2 weeks after being tattooed. (no swimming, baths, or anything else that would submerge your tattoo underwater for extended periods of time)
If your Saniderm begins to lift or comes off prematurely, DO NOT attempt to seal it again! If it has lifted before the 5 day mark, it is best to remove Saniderm, wash your tattoo, and refer to the Healing without Saniderm section below on how to properly care for your tattoo after removal.
***Resealing after it has been lifted can trap in harmful bacteria, increasing your chance of possible skin irritations, rashes, infection, and damage to your new tattoo.***
To easily remove your Saniderm, we recommend taking it off in a warm shower -- carefully peel the Saniderm off like you would a bandaid. It is advised to use antibacterial soap to help loosen and remove the adhesive. Don't attempt to remove it while dry…it is pretty uncomfortable.
Keep your new tattoo as clean as possible after removing the Saniderm -- wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and apply a small amount of unscented lotion after washing. You may apply lotion as needed throughout the day.
***If you have any issues while using Saniderm (ex: sensitivity to the adhesive, the Saniderm lifts up prematurely, etc.) immediately remove the Saniderm, wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap, and notify your artist. If your Saniderm comes off early, refer to the instructions for "Healing without Saniderm", listed below.***
Healing Without Saniderm
Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo!!!
Remove any plastic wrap or bandaging within 1-3 hours after getting your tattoo -- DO NOT rebandage! Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial soap. BE GENTLE. Don't use a washcloth or anything that would exfoliate your tattoo. Gently pat dry with a paper towel. Do not rub or wipe.
The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo after washing. You may use Aquaphor, Redemption, or whatever you know you are not allergic to. For ointment suggestions, simply ask your artist for their recommendations.
Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment container after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny or greasy -- you want the thinnest layer possible. Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel. Do not use bedding. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material could adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process. Wear clean, loose, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks -- nothing abrasive or irritating.
After day 4: Around the 3rd or 4th day, your tattoo will begin to peel -- this is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, unscented lotion that is free of dyes or perfumes. Use lotion 4-6 times daily or as needed, for a minimum of 2 weeks.
For a foot tattoo: Go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in Saran Wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe. Avoid sandals or flip flops during this period to prevent chafing that could damage your tattoo.
Things to Do
LISTEN to your artist! If we have given you specific instructions, follow them.
***If you do not take care of your tattoo, it may become infected or damaged.***
Infections are very red around the outside of the tattoo, and may have thin red lines extending from it.
It may ooze, pus, or bleed abnormally.
If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo or the healing process, please reach out to your artist by stopping by the shop, messaging them on social media or by email or fill out the form on the home page to contact the shop.