AFTERCARE USING ADHESIVE/SECOND SKIN DRESSING
Once a tattoo has been completed, a huge part of the process is the aftercare involved over the next few days. It's really important that you look after your new artwork as instructed, to ensure you get the best possible heal.
You have just been tattooed in a sterile environment with high quality equipment. Before leaving the studio, your tattoo will have been cleaned and covered, either in clingfilm or with an adhesive dressing.
Your tattoo will initially be inflamed, swollen and sore. This is totally normal and can last a few days in some cases. Occasionally you will also get bruising develop during the healing process.
You may also feel a little run down/poorly after a tattoo, particularly if it's a large one. This is also completely normal. Make sure you eat well and keep hydrated, as your body needs to be in the best position to heal.
The First Day
1. Your initial adhesive dressing needs to stay on for at least the first 24 hours. Your tattoo will weep and this will collect under the dressing as a dark/coloured sticky fluid - this is normal. (With very small tattoos, there may be very minimal or even no fluid collected underneath the film, if that is the case, it can remain in place for a further 4-7 days).
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2. Wash your hands thoroughly, then carefully lift an edge of the film so that you can grab it. Place your other hand down on the majority of the film to hold it in place, while stretching the edge that you have grabbed parallel to the skin surface. This stretching motion will release the adhesive. If you struggle with this step, you can try removing it in the shower with warm water.
3. Once the film has been removed, thoroughly wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap - making sure to remove all of the slimy stuff. Thoroughly rinse all traces of soap away (any soap residue may react with the new film you are about to apply). Allow to air dry or gently pat with a paper towel - do not use fabric towels or washcloths.
4. Now it's time to apply your new film! You may need someone else to help you with this depending on the location of the tattoo, but please make sure their hands are clean! Apply the film with the area relaxed so the skin isn't stretched or twisted. Remove the white backing sheet first, and apply the adhesive side to your tattoo. Make sure there is at least a 1.5 inch border of film around the design. Once the film is in place, remove the clear protective sheet. If your tattoo is large or awkwardly shaped and you need to use multiple pieces of film, make sure they overlap the surrounding film by at least 1 inch.
5. This second dressing needs to stay in place for 4-7 days. Do not forcibly remove the dressing before day 4 as you can damage the delicate healing skin underneath and potentially cause scarring. If your second dressing happens to fall off before it's due to be removed, do not reapply a third. Simply continue to care for the tattoo as outlined in the general aftercare sheet.
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Your tattoo will be sore and inflamed, but if you feel that it's excessive, or there is inflammation localised to the shape of the adhesive dressing and not just the tattoo, remove it immediately as this could be an allergic reaction (this is rare and usually experienced by people who have allergies to plasters and other adhesives). If you notice any bumps or unexpected skin irregularities underneath the dressing, please email me a photo so I can advise. If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in touch!
The Healing Process
Please be gentle with the area - no excessive exercise or stretching until it's healed. Too much movement in the area can cause tension on the skin from the dressing.
The adhesive dressing is breathable and water resistant - but please do not go swimming, use saunas or soak the area in a bath while it's in place. Showers only, or strategic bathing.
DON'T expose your tattoo to the sun - UV light is damaging even to healed tattoos, but they are much more at risk during the healing period. The colours can be altered permanently, including white. There have also been anecdotal reports that the adhesive dressings increase the risk of sunburn in the area. Freshly tattooed skin is at incredibly high risk of severe sunburn!
DON'T listen to friends/family members' advice if it contradicts the above.
Other Important Information
