Tattoo Aftercare
Tegaderm tattoo aftercare instructions for clients of Illustrated Alex. Keep it clean, protect it while it heals, and let the tattoo breathe when the time is right.
Leave The Bandage On
If Tegaderm or a similar clear adhesive bandage was applied at the studio, leave it on for the amount of time Alex instructed. In many cases this is up to about 5 days, unless irritation, leaking, lifting, or discomfort requires earlier removal.
Some fluid under the bandage is normal. It may look dark, cloudy, or a little strange. That is usually plasma, ink, and normal tattoo seepage doing its weird little healing soup thing.
If the bandage fills with fluid, leaks, peels open, causes a rash, or becomes uncomfortable, remove it and switch to standard aftercare.
How To Remove Tegaderm
Slow is smooth. Smooth is kind to your skin.
1. Wash Your Hands
Before touching the bandage or tattoo, wash your hands well with clean soap and water.
2. Remove Slowly
Peel the bandage back slowly, preferably in a warm shower. Pull it low and parallel to the skin instead of straight out.
3. Wash Gently
Wash the tattoo with clean hands and mild fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub with a washcloth or towel.
4. Pat Dry
Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry before applying anything.
5. Light Moisture
Apply a very thin layer of recommended aftercare or fragrance-free lotion. The tattoo should not look greasy.
6. Let It Heal
Expect light peeling and flaking. Do not pick, scratch, shave over, or soak the tattoo while healing.
What To Avoid
The no-go list, because healed tattoos like discipline.
No Swimming
Avoid lakes, pools, hot tubs, baths, and soaking until the tattoo is fully healed.
No Sun
Keep fresh tattoos out of direct sun. After healed, use sunscreen to protect the work.
No Picking
Let flakes fall off naturally. Picking can pull color and cause scarring.
No Heavy Products
Avoid thick ointment, petroleum-heavy layers, fragrance, alcohol, peroxide, or harsh cleansers.
No Dirty Contact
Keep pets, gym equipment, dirty bedding, and unwashed hands away from the fresh tattoo.
No Tight Rubbing
Avoid clothing or straps that rub the tattoo while it is healing.
Contact the studio if you have unusual redness, spreading irritation, heavy swelling, heat, pus, fever, or anything that does not feel right.