Depending on the brand of Second-Skin used, the bandage is to be left on for 2-5 days. Check with your individual artist if not informed.
The tattoo may weep/bleed underneath the bandage, and pooling of fluid may happen. This is normal! This is directly related to how much skin has been opened while tattooing. Large, full colour pieces almost always weep, and in greater amounts than simple line-work, or smaller tattoos where less skin surface area has been opened/worked. This fluid will reabsorb back into the skin after some time. Do not pop or puncture the bandage, as this is a possible route for bacteria/infection. You may shower normally with the bandage on, but baths, and submerging the tattoo/bandage are not allowed and may result in poor healing that is not covered under your artist’s touch-up policy.
After the allotted time for the bandage to remain on the skin, remove while dry/outside of the shower. Peel from one corner slowly. Some artists may advise to remove the bandage within the shower, but some Second-Skin brands have powerful adhesives that are “activated” with heat. This may result in leftover adhesives adhering to the skin, and while this does not pose a major risk, it can be frustrating to remove.
Once the bandage is off, wash gently in the shower with clean hands, gentle hand pressure and a very small amount of basic, non-scented, non-exfoliating soap. The intent is to simply wash away any residue or leftover plasma from the tattoo. Your tattoo will be sore, and possibly swollen. This is normal. Do not scrub or use any type of wash cloth as even clean laundry can harbour bacteria/aggravating scents from detergent. Some ink may wash from the surface of the skin during this process. This is normal.
Once the tattoo has been cleaned gently, pat dry with a clean paper towel, or let air dry. Any leftover ink on the surface of the tattoo may be present on the paper towel. This is normal.
Repeat steps 5, and 6 for at least a week from the day the Second-Skin bandage was removed. DO NOT LOTION DURING THIS TIME. Lotion does not help the healing process and is simply for comfort. Applying lotion before a week has transpired WILL affect the healing of your tattoo NEGATIVELY. Tattooed skin heals fastest and best when left alone and on the dry side. Second-Skin usage can alleviate skin flaking during healing, but some skin flaking may still occur once the bandage is off, and after some time has passed. This is normal. If this happens, DO NOT PICK AT THE TATTOO, as premature removal of flaking skin WILL negatively affect your tattoo.
Total healing time depends on the individual, and is typically between 4-6 weeks.
- Do keep the bandage on for the required amount of time
- Do still shower
- Do remove gently, peeling from one corner, outside of the shower
- Do wash gently with clean hands in the shower with minimal, basic, non-scented, non-exfoliating soap
- Do air dry or pat dry with clean paper towel
- Do NOT exceed the advised amount of time the bandage should be on
- Do NOT worry about pooling of fluids underneath the bandage
- Do NOT pop or puncture the bandage
- Do NOT submerge your tattoo in the bath or use saunas, tanning beds, pools or swim in the ocean within 4-6 weeks of appointment
- Do NOT use washcloths, heavy amounts of soap, scented soap or exfoliating soap to wash your tattoo
- Do NOT apply any type of lotion immediately after the bandage is off. A waiting period of AT LEAST a week after the bandage has been removed is needed
- Do NOT pick at any flaking skin
There are certain circumstances in which the Second-Skin is to be removed early.
- If there is redness and itchiness around the outside perimeter of the bandage, this could be an allergic reaction to the adhesive, and the bandage should be removed immediately.
- If, while showering, water enters into the bandage, the area may begin to give off an odour, and itchiness may occur. If this is observed, the bandage is to be removed immediately.
- If the bandage starts to peel and expose the tattooed area, do not try to reapply the bandage, as the seal has already been broken, and bacteria may be trapped underneath if attempted. Remove the bandage immediately.
If the bandage is removed early, proceed to step 5 and onwards.
If you have ANY questions, feel free to reach out to your artist and we can help with anything you need to know!
Thanks again for getting tattooed at Shades of Grey and enjoy your new tattoo!