A Standard Bandage is an absorbent pad affixed to the surface of the tattoo with medical tape.
Your Standard Bandage should stay on overnight or for no less than 6 hours.
When your bandage is removed you must wash your tattoo as soon as it is uncovered.
Use a lather of mild/unscented soap and warm water to gently but thoroughly wash the tattoo with the tips of your fingers. Unscented Dove® soap is a popular choice for tattoo aftercare.
After about 24 to 48 hours you may apply a thin layer of unscented water-based moisturizer. Unscented Lubriderm® is a popular choice.
Avoid excessive moisture and/or submerging the tattoo underwater. Showering is fine but do your best to keep the tattoo out of the water for the most part. The tattoo must be kept clean and free of bacteria, so if needed, you may wash the tattoo with soap and water quickly and gently. After all the scabs have flaked and fallen off naturally, you may then soak the tattoo.
Your Standard Bandage should stay on overnight or for no less than 6 hours.
Do not rewrap or bandage your healing tattoo.
Do not pick or scratch at the scabs.
Hide your new tattoo from the sun for at least 4 weeks. Afterward, your fully healed tattoo should always be protected with sunscreen.
Alternatively your tattoo may be bandaged with Hypafix®, commonly referred to as Second Skin. Second Skin is a transparent, waterproof bandage retainer consisting of a thin, polyurethane film coated with a skin-friendly adhesive.
For a tattoo bandaged with Second Skin, it is recommended to leave the Second Skin sealed for 3-5 days.
It is normal for fluid to collect under the Second Skin. If left alone the fluid will eventually be reabsorbed.
If any fluid breaches the edge of the Second Skin or if for any other reason the seal has been compromised, the Second Skin must be removed.
When the Second Skin is removed continue to follow the standard aftercare instructions listed above.
Be advised that it is not unusual to experience scabbing, flaking, dryness, itching, redness, swelling, bruising, bumps, or a sunburnlike sensation. The skin has been broken and should be cared for as though it is an open wound.
Please contact kiftattoos@gmail.com with any questions or concerns during the aftercare process.