A tattoo bandage called Dermshield will be applied to your tattoo upon completion. This product is latex-free and waterproof. The thin plastic adhesive will lay over your tattoo for 4-7 days to aid in healing while protecting your tattoo from chemicals and bacteria.

You will be able to see your tattoo through the bandage, but typically within 24-48 hours it will begin to fill with some ink, which may distort the image of your tattoo. This is not permanent and will wash off once the Dermshield is removed. You may shower normally but do not scrub the area. Pools of ink or blood under the bandage is normal and not harmful to you or your tattoo.

In the 4-7 days that your tattoo bandage will remain over your tattoo you will need to watch for peeling of the bandage. If it begins to peel, please trim it as soon as possible to prevent further peeling. If your tattoo bandage continues to peel to the point of exposing any part of your tattoo, please remove it as soon as possible. The same applies if the bandage begins to leak or you develop a hole from friction or snagging.

The most important part of using the tattoo bandage is the process of removal. Please do NOT remove the bandage dry like a bandaid. This MUST be done under warm running water to prevent damage and potentially ink loss of your tattoo. The best method is to take a warm shower, sit under the water for about 10 minutes to soften up the adhesive and begin to remove your bandage by pulling downward to avoid pulling on your hair follicles. It is less painful to pull against your skin than outwards, you may even roll it down. Take your time with it and do not rush the process.

Once your Dermshield is removed, you will wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial Dial soap and moisturize with an unscented lotion (Aveeno, Cerave, Lubriderm, etc) twice daily for approximately 1-2 weeks.

I strongly recommend against the use of Aquaphor. Aquaphor is oil based and your tattoo is an open wound. When you apply oil to an open wound it will attract bacteria and can slow the healing process by suffocating the wound. It is best to avoid oils and scented products from touching your tattoo until it is healed.