Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.
As mentioned above, it can cause infection by keeping the area too moist, and keeping your wrapping on for too long compromises the healing process. Without the proper exposure to oxygen, your freshly tattooed skin takes longer to heal. This elongated healing period can actually put you at a higher risk of infection.
Tattoo Aftercare Pointers
Your bandage (Saniderm, Tegaderm, or RxDerm) is waterproof and breathable, so you can leave it on for 2–3 days without worrying about it. You may see ink seepage and plasma building up underneath your bandage. Do not panic! It is part of the healing process.
If you came here for a short answer, then get it: after you leave the salon or your tattoo artist, you need to keep the tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours if you use simple cling wrap (plastic foil). If you have a protective tattoo film, then keep it for 3-5 days.
Your tattoo artist will wrap your tattoo immediately after finishing the piece. This bandage should be left on anywhere between 3 and 24 hours after getting your tattoo – depending on the bandage used and the size of your piece. Tattoo bandages often come off before going to bed the first night.
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
You'll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.
After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr.
Remove the bandage after 3-12 hours. For example, if you get tattooed early in the day, leave the bandage on until the evening, but if you get tattooed at night and go to bed soon after, it's ok to leave the initial bandage on until the morning.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
Your first piece of Saniderm applied by the artist must be worn for 24 hours, do not remove it early. You will have irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and ink collect under the bandage.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Your tattoo will still be weeping some ink/blood/other fluid for the first day or so. This discharge can get stuck under the bandage and cause it to look blurry or even like there is a thick colored film over the entire area. This is ok!
As long as the seal of the bandage is still intact, you should leave the first Saniderm bandage on for 24 hours. Allowing the bodily fluid to remain on the tattoo will help the skin retain moisture and aid in tattoo healing.
Signs Your Tattoo Isn't Healing Properly
Prolonged Swelling: While your tattoo may be swollen at first, this swelling should reduce over a few days. Prolonged itching or hives: If you break out in bumps or hives after getting a tattoo, or if your skin becomes extremely itchy, consult your doctor.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
Avoid sleeping directly on your new tattoo, at least the first 4 days. The goal is to try your best not to put any pressure on your tattoo and to keep it from touching anything, at least as much as possible. A healing tattoo needs lots of fresh air and oxygen, so try not to smother it while sleeping.
What Does An Over-Moisturised Tattoo Look Like? Signs of an over-moisturised tattoo include irritated, inflamed skin; scabs may appear on the tattoo, or the skin may look redder on and around the tattooed area. What's more, the ink could appear slightly blurred.
It is advisable that you refrain from drinking for at least 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. It is normal for plasma and blood to ooze 48 hours after getting a tattoo. However, alcohol consumption will increase the bleeding rate due to blood thinning.
Tattoo Infection Stages
Stage 1: A dull pain and tenderness in the area develops. Stage 2: Swelling, warmth, and redness occurs. Stage 3: The initial symptoms worsen, and redness expands over the span of hours or even days. Stage 4: Small papules or bumps begin to form and, in some cases, break open, releasing pus.
Dirty needles are the most common cause of infection. Infection is also possible if the technician is inexperienced and fails to wash their hands, put on sterilized gloves, or forgets to clean the skin carefully before the tattoo is applied. Aftercare is also important in the days after getting a tattoo.
Is Bepanthen the best antiseptic ointment to use? Bepathen is a popular antiseptic ointment choice. However, other antiseptic ointments include Savlon and Soov. Any of the three can be used on new ink once gently cleaned with a combination of antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
Application of Bepanthen® Ointment 4–8 times daily for 14 days on newly tattooed skin.