SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE

For Clients with no additional bandage:

You may remove your bandage any time between 24 hours- 7 days. In the case that you notice redness around the edges of the bandage (not the tattoo itself), please remove it immediately.

For clients removing bandages between 24 hours - 4 days, please follow Step 1 below and then proceed with my Traditional Aftercare steps.

For clients removing bandages from 5-7 days, please proceed with all the Steps below!

  • Wash your hands

    Remove the initial bandage by gently peeling it — do not rip it off. Do this dry (the brand of second skin that I use has a tendency to transfer the adhesive onto you if you try to take it off in the shower)!

    After removal, rinse off all plasma buildup and wash with unscented soap and running water.

  • Air dry or pat dry, using a paper towel or clean towel — Do not rub abrasively

  • You may notice small amounts of adhesive residue that is stuck to the area. This should wash off after a few days!

    Additionally, the tattoo may still be slightly flakey and dry! You can apply some unscented moisturizer if you desire, to combat any itchiness, but it is not necessary or imperative to the healing process!

For Clients with an additional bandage:

At any point if you notice redness around the edges of your initial or second bandage—please remove it immediately. This is a sign of a friction burn caused by the bandage chafing on your skin.

  • Wash your hands

    After 24 hours, remove the initial bandage by gently peeling it — do not rip it off. Do this dry (the brand of second skin that I use has a tendency to transfer the adhesive onto you if you try to take it off in the shower)!

    After removal, rinse off all plasma buildup and wash with unscented soap and running water.

  • Air dry or pat dry, using a paper towel or clean towel — Do not rub abrasively

    Do NOT apply any moisturizer

  • If you are employing the help of a friend to apply the second bandage, please make sure they wash their hands first!

    Once the area is dry, start by taking the bandage and peeling off the white side to expose the adhesive layer. (Sometimes these layers stick together, so take your time when removing this white layer)

    Place the sticky side onto your tattoo, taking care to ensure no edges of the tattoo are exposed.

    Smooth out air bubbles and then peel off the top layer of stiff, clear plastic.

    Play video at bottom of page for a visual aid

  • Leave second bandage on for 3-7 days!

    When removing the second bandage, repeat steps 1 & 2

  • Following the final bandage removal, you may notice some adhesive residue that is stuck to the area. This should wash off after a few days!

    Additionally, the tattoo may still be slightly flakey and dry! You can apply some unscented moisturizer if you desire, but it is not necessary or imperative to the healing process!

While healing:

 

    • The gym/exercise for 3-4 days

    • Submerging it in water for minimum 2 weeks (this includes baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes etc. —Showering is fine!)

    • Direct sunlight for 4 weeks (After 4 weeks make sure to use sunscreen when outside)

    • Picking/Scratching

    • Shaving, waxing or sugaring the area until your tattoo is fully healed and no longer flaking!

    • If your tattoo is sore & swollen after leaving, an icepack applied to the area can help alleviate some of the discomfort and swelling!

    • For combating itchiness while the bandage is on, you can apply firm pressure to the area (slapping it also sometimes helps lol), or apply an icepack to help numb it!

    • Moisturizing after the final bandage removal, is not necessary, however, if it is applied, please use thin layers and wash your hands first!

    • At ANY point, if you begin noticing signs of redness, specifically around the edge of the bandage (not the tattoo) please remove the bandage immediately and proceed with Traditional Aftercare . This is a sign of a reaction to the bandage itself

  • While it is unlikely for a tattoo to become infected if you follow proper aftercare, anything can happen! Bacteria is all around us, so there are some important signs to watch out for!

    • Excess swelling/redness after the first initial few days

    • Radiating pain, redness and heat/warmth persisting after several days

    • Bleeding/oozing

    (While the three of these are normal for the first couple days, if they are persistent and worsening please seek medical attention with a healthcare professional)

    • Fever

    • Green or yellow discharge

    • Firm bumps, rash or red streaks

    If you are experiencing any of the remaining symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention!

    Winnipeg Health Links 204-788-8200

 

Second Skin Application Instructional Video: