Aftercare with Tegaderm

Keep Tegaderm on for 4 full days.

Remove Tegaderm and wash the tattoo using an antibacterial soap. Continue washing twice daily for the next 2 weeks.

Apply a non scented lotion like Lubriderm or Aveeno as needed when the tattoo feels dry.

After 4 weeks the tattoo should be fully healed.

Tegaderm wrap is a special bandage used in the medical field for many purposes, including the healing of burns and to keep IV ports secure. It also helps to speed up the healing process of tattoos, helps to shield the tattoo from infection causing bacteria, and makes the aftercare process much easier for the client. 

While rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the Tegaderm wrap. People who have an allergy to adhesives may also experience an allergic reaction to the Tegaderm. If you’ve had these reactions, make sure to let your artist know. 

It is important to avoid submerging the tattoo in water like a bath, pool, lake, or ocean. It is also best to avoid working out, activities that cause excessive sweating, and exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight for the first 2 weeks of healing. Tegaderm does not protect your tattoo from heat or light. 

The wrap is waterproof, so showers are ok; however, lukewarm water is recommended.

Your artist will apply the Tegaderm, which looks like a giant, clear sticker over your new tattoo. Leave the wrap on for 4 full days before removing it. 

After the wrap is applied, you will notice a dark liquid forming under the wrap. This liquid is made up of excess ink and blood and is perfectly normal. We do not recommend draining the liquid. 

In some cases, if the liquid becomes too heavy or too much pressure is applied to the wrap, the wrap could open and the liquid leak out. If this occurs, remove the wrap, cleanse and dry the area, and re-apply a new piece of Tegaderm. If you do not have extra Tegaderm, skip ahead to the “after Tegaderm” section. 

After 3-4 days, the liquid has dried and formed what may appear as a dark film over the tattoo. This is perfectly normal. 

Remove the wrap at the end of the 4th day. Your tattoo may be in a peeling stage, which can appear as shedding skin that comes off with the Tegaderm or begins peeling a couple of days after the removal. Both are normal. 

After Tegaderm:

Cleanse the tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial soap, like Dial hand soap at least twice a day: morning, night, and whenever the tattoo may be dirty for the next 2 weeks. Allow the tattoo to dry and apply a non scented lotion like Lubriderm or Aveeno lotions. Whenever the tattoo feels dry, it’s best to re-apply the lotion. 

After 4 weeks, the tattoo should be fully healed. For tattoos that experience a rough heal (scabbing, allergic reaction, or infection) it may take longer than usual. 

While rare, tattoos are wounds with the possibility of infection. If you believe your tattoo could be infected, contact your artist directly and consult a medical professional. 

After your tattoo is healed, regularly lotion your skin and apply sunscreen to help your tattoo last as long as possible. 

There are no silly questions! If any come up about your healing process please feel free to let Charlotte know.