Some tattoos are more likely to seep heavily, especially in areas that bend or move frequently. In those situations, I may apply an absorbent bandage first.
Leave the absorbent bandage on overnight. The following morning:
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Wash your hands thoroughly
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Remove the bandage.
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Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance free liquid soap.
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Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry completely.
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Wipe the untattooed skin surrounding the tattoo with rubbing alcohol so the adhesive will stick properly. Do not put alcohol on the tattoo or allow it to run onto the tattoo.
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Let the surrounding skin dry completely.
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Apply the transparent adhesive bandage. To not put lotion, ointment, or any other product underneath it.
Leave the film in place a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 7 days.
Blood, plasma, and excess ink may collect beneath the film and create a dark, watery looking bubble.
This is normal and is perfectly fine as long as the bandage remains sealed.
Do not puncture it or try to drain the fluid.
Second Skin - Style Bandage
Adhesive Film Aftercare
A transparent adhesive bandage protects your tattoo while the skin begins healing. It only works while the bandage remains completely sealed around the tattoo
If the Adhesive bandage was applied by me
if I applied an absorbent bandage
Transparent film dressings are sold under several brand names.
In Store
Available at Walmart, Walgreens and CVS
Online
This is the brand I personally use.
If it comes off before day 3
Where to buy Adhesive Bandages
If an edge starts to peel
A loose outer edge is okay if the tattoo still has a complete border of securely attached film around it.
Remove the bandage if:
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Any part of the tattoo becomes exposed
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Fluid begins leaking out
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Water gets underneath it
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The bandage becomes punctured or damaged
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The seal breaks
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You develop intense itching, burning, a rash, blisters, or increasing irritation
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Remove the entire bandage and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
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If it has been less than 48 hours since your appointment, you may apply one new, clean sheet of adhesive film using the instructions above. Replace the entire bandage—do not place a patch over the old one.
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If it has been more than 48 hours, if you do not have a clean replacement, or if your skin appears irritated, do not reapply the film. Switch to the Traditional Aftercare instructions.
How to remove the bandage
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Wash your hands thoroughly.
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Remove the film slowly under warm running water.
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Gently stretch and pull it back over itself, keeping it low and parallel to the skin.
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Do not pull it straight upward or rip it off quickly.
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If it feels firmly stuck, use more warm water and continue slowly.
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After removing the film, wash the tattoo, pat it dry, and continue with the washing and light moisturizing steps under Traditional Aftercare.