Healing With Saniderm

Saniderm (aka: Recoveryderm, second-skin, etc.) is a clear, water-resistant bandage that provides excellent protection for your new tattoo during its early stages of healing. This is our shop's preferred method of immediate aftercare, and is usually recommended by default, unless the client prefers an alternative or has an adhesive allergy/sensitivity

• Please leave the Saniderm on your new tattoo for 3-5 days, unless you are told otherwise by your artist at Ink Therapy Abilene.
• It is completely normal for Saniderm to fill with fluid after being tattooed - this is a mixture of your blood and blood plasma (think all the stuff that would have made a scab), and 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.
• Alternatively, if the fluid that collected beneath your Saniderm has dried out or has become itchy or uncomfortable, it is perfectly okay to remove the bandage and begin washing/caring for your tattoo -- even if this happens before the 3-5 day mark!
• 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! This is especially important if there is any chance that water, soap, dirt, or any other substance might have gotten beneath the Saniderm. **Resealing after it's been lifted can trap in harmful bacteria, increasing your chance of possible skin irritations, rashes, infection, and damage to your new tattoo.​**
• Avoid excessive heat while using Saniderm (such as working/reaching over a hot stove repeatedly while you have Saniderm on your forearm) as the heat can cause the bandage to adhere to your tattoo in a way that can be harmful. 
• To easily remove your Saniderm, we recommend taking it off in the shower -- carefully peel the Saniderm off like you would a bandaid, using antibacterial soap to help loosen and remove the adhesive as needed. Don't attempt to remove it while dry, as it is much more uncomfortable!
• Keep your new tattoo as clean as possible after removing the Saniderm -- wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap (NOT body wash), and apply a small amount of unscented lotion or an approved tattoo ointment after washing and 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 either through Instagram or by email as soon as possible. If your Saniderm comes off early, refer to the instructions for "Healing without Saniderm", listed below.***

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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. Our shop offers aftercare ointment for purchase at the front desk, if you do not have some readily available. For other 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  • ​**If you are using ointment purchased from us as aftercare, you may continue using this rather than switching to lotion**

Things to Avoid

• DO NOT pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub, or irritate your tattoo. 
• You may shower, but DO NOT soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking in a bath, or hot tubs. 
• Do not expose your tattoo to excessive sunlight for at least 3 weeks. Use sunblock after this period of time.
• Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo while it is still healing.
• Avoid pets and pet dander near your tattoo while your tattoo is healing. If your pets sleep in the same bed with you, wash your bedding and restrict access to your pets during the healing process.
• BEWARE of things like gym equipment or any other surface that may be dirty.
• LISTEN to your artist!!! If we have given you specific instructions, follow them. We will not​ provide a free touchup or guarantee your tattoo if it is brought to our attention that you intentionally went against our instructions, or your tattoo was damaged due to some fault of your own.

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***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, or the other artists at Ink Therapy Abilene.