First 3–4 Days: Saniderm/Recovery Derm Bandage

  • Leave the bandage on for 3–4 days.

  • Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after your appointment.

  • Avoid working out — sweat can interfere with the healing process.

  • You may shower with the bandage on, but do not submerge the tattoo in water (no baths, pools, or hot tubs).

Note: It is normal to see plasma, ink, and blood build up under the wrap. This may cause the tattoo to look smudged — this is completely normal.

Remove the bandage early if:

  • Water gets inside the bandage.

  • A large amount of fluid begins leaking out.

  • The edges begin peeling and expose the tattoo.

If You Must Remove the Bandage Within the First 6 Hours

  1. Gently remove the bandage in the shower under warm water.

  2. Clean the tattoo with unscented soap and pat dry using paper towels.

  3. Re-wrap with saran wrap and secure with medical or self-adhesive tape.

  4. The next morning, remove the wrap, clean again, and leave the tattoo unwrapped.

  5. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction.

Removing the Bandage (After 3–4 Days)

  • Remove the bandage in the shower using warm (not hot) water.

  • Gently roll it off — do not rip or tear the bandage.

  • Wash the tattoo with unscented, natural soap and warm water.

  • Pat dry using paper towels (not cloth towels).

  • Leave the tattoo unwrapped moving forward.

Cleaning Your Tattoo (After Removing the Bandage)

  • Clean the tattoo 2–3 times daily, or anytime it feels sweaty or dirty.

  • Only use unscented, natural soap.

Recommended Soaps:

  • Aveeno Baby Soap

  • Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

  • Clearly Natural Pure and Natural Glycerine Hand Soap (Unscented)

Moisturizing

  • Apply lotion only when the tattoo enters the dry/peeling stage.

  • If the tattoo is not dry, do not apply lotion — your body is naturally healing.

  • Use a small amount of lotion. Avoid over-application as it can clog pores and hinder healing.

Recommended Lotions:

  • Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Soothing Body Cream (Unscented)

  • CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Unscented)

What Not to Do

  • Do not swim or soak your tattoo for at least 4 weeks.

  • Do not pick or scratch the tattoo.

  • Do not use scented soaps or lotions until fully healed.

  • Do not expose your tattoo to prolonged sun. Once healed, apply sunscreen when outdoors.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you notice signs of infection — such as redness that spreads, excessive swelling, pus, or fever — contact a healthcare provider immediately.