Tegaderm holds in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, allowing the body to heal itself in the most efficient manner possible. After skin has been injured, plasma, platelets, and other healing elements are produced to help the area recover. Without Tegaderm, these elements dry up and evaporate, which reduces their effectiveness. When this happens, longer healing times are required and scabbing and scarring occur. Tegaderm locks in these healing elements and allows normal skin function because the bandage is permeable to oxygen and is breathable for the skin. In addition, Tegaderm protects against dirt and germs while eliminating friction and other irritations that might further interfere with the healing process.
You will leave your Tegaderm on for 3-5 days, depending on your artist’s recommendation. Tegaderm is great for tattoos because it is low-maintenance and encourages faster healing.
It is normal for the Tegaderm to fill with bodily fluids, they will dry within 1-2 days and it will be hard to see the tattoo underneath. Be sure to keep an eye on your Tegaderm to make sure nothing gets trapped beneath it. If a foreign substance does get trapped under it, carefully remove the bandage and maintain your regular aftercare.
Be sure to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight and dirty environments(This includes the beach). Do not submerge your new tattoo underwater until it is fully healed (2-3 weeks). Completely avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, oceans, and lakes. Tegaderm does not change the wait period for underwater submersion.
You will want to carefully remove the Tegaderm in the shower. Be sure to slowly roll it away from your skin, DO NOT rip it off like a Band-Aid. Carefully clean the tattoo with a mild non-scented antibacterial soap, we recommend Dial Gold.
After you’ve cleaned your new tattoo it should be mostly healed. You will want to keep it moisturized with a non-scented alcohol-free lotion until the tattoo is fully healed. (We recommend Lubriderm Daily Moisture.)
STANDARD TATTOO AFTERCARE:
Carefully remove the bandage 2-4 hours after getting your tattoo.
Gently wash your new tattoo with warm water and a mild unscented antibacterial soap (we recommend Dial Gold). Do not scrub with a wash towel or luffa, gently wash the tattoo with your clean finger tips. Make sure to gently wash away the blood and plasma. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow the tattoo to air dry before applying lotion. You will do this 3-5 times a day as your tattoo heals.
Be sure to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight and dirty environments(This includes the beach). Do not submerge your new tattoo underwater until it is fully healed (2-3 weeks). Completely avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, oceans, and lakes.
Apply a small amount of lotion to your clean tattoo regularly throughout the day, keeping the tattoo moist but not smothered.
Be sure to remain persistent in your aftercare, especially during the first few days. Your tattoo will leak fluid, this is normal. Be sure to use your unscented antibacterial soap to gently wash away the fluids. How often you clean your new tattoo depends on your life-style. Use your best judgment, but do not overdo it. Excessive washing can lead to dry skin and irritation.
When your tattoo starts to peel (this could take 3 days-1 week) The peeling will begin to flake like a sunburn, do not pick or scratch at it or it will pull the pigment out and cause patchiness/scarring.