Aftercare with Semi-Occlusive Bandages
- dacasey92
- Aug 31, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2024
Protect and Heal Your Tattoo Semi-Occlusive bandages are a transparent, perforated film adhesive designed to provide breathability, waterproofing, and protection for your fresh tattoo. This innovative bandage system creates an artificial scab over your tattoo, aiding in pigment retention and care. Microscopic perforations cover the surface of the bandage, allow air molecules to pass while blocking water molecules, forming a breathable, waterproof seal. This method of aftercare is our preferred choice, as it lessens the responsibility of tattoo healing and offers a convenient, hassle-free alternative to traditional bandaging.
Follow these steps to ensure proper aftercare:
1) Application Duration: Leave the bandage over your tattoo for 1-7 days after your appointment. Please allow at least a minimum of 24 hours, and maximum of 7 days. The longer you leave it on, the easier it will be to remove.
2) Showering and Water: Showering is safe with this bandage, however bathing and swimming are not recommended. Bathing and swimming increase the risk of the bandage being compromised (movement) and the tattoo having increased risk of infection (bacteria from water). Avoid getting soaps, ointments or lotions near the bandage to prevent adhesive allergic reactions.
3) Normal Fluid Build-Up: Fluid build-up is normal and generally unavoidable, but is beneficial for healing. I call this the "soy sauce" stage, and what you are seeing is a mix of pigment, blood and plasma. This helps maintain red and white blood cells over the affected area (remember artificial scab?) which will help speed up the body's natural healing process.
4) Bandage Removal: It is easiest to soak the tattoo area in warm water for 5-10 minutes, however this is not necessary. Gently peel the bandage backwards over itself, or pulling backwards away from the adhesive, starting at the top of the tattoo. Do not pull bandage upwards away from the skin. If there is any scabbing on the tattoo, pulling the bandage straight up can rip the scabs off and leave patchy spots in pigment. It is recommended to do this in the shower, especially if you have any fluid under the application- this fluid will stain fabrics and grout.
5) Post-Bandage Care:
Wash your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Apply unscented moisturizer to keep the tattoo clean and moisturized.
If minor scabbing persists, continue care until the tattoo is smooth and pain-free.
Ongoing Care:
Wash and lotion your tattoo 2-4 times daily.
Do not use exfoliants, perfumes, oils, or sunscreen on the tattoo while it heals.
The final stages of healing involve the tissue peeling like a sunburn might, some shininess as new skin cells surface, and colors settling. Your tattoo is "healed" when the tissue is no longer shiny. At this point, if touch ups are necessary, this is when it is advised to do so.
Other Information:
If your bandage becomes extremely oversaturated with fluid, please contact us to change it, or remove the bandage all together and continue with normal aftercare instructions. While the fluid is harmless to leave over the affected tissue, a heavy amount pocketed in the bandage increases the chance of the bandage bursting/leaking.
While allergic reactions to semi-occlusive bandages are possible, I have chosen this brand due to its silicone-based adhesive and association with legitimate medical products as opposed to tattoo-targeted products. However, reactions can still arise. These usually manifest as hives, small pustules, redness or a red halo along the edges (typically caused by a reaction to an external product). In such cases, remove the bandage and refer to the 'Post Bandage Care' instructions.
Redness, swelling, and warmth are common and expected symptoms after getting a tattoo and should resolve within a few days. If these symptoms persist, remove the bandage and follow the 'Ongoing Care' instructions.
Some tattoos even bruise after the appointment. This is not uncommon, especially for body parts like inner biceps, back of calves and hands. Should you experience bruising or extra swelling, using a wrapped icepack can alleviate any soreness. Make sure this icepack is wrapped in paper towels or plastic wrap.
Do not use towels, hand cloths, rags, loofas, sponges or any fabric materials to clean or dry your tattoo. Not only are some of these rough on the tissue, they harbor bacteria and can lead to an increased risk of infection.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns during your healing journey. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's healing process is unique, tattoo artists have varying approaches, and even your own tattoos may heal differently. We're here to support you, though we aren't medical professionals and can't diagnose infections, skin conditions, or serious medical issues beyond our professional expertise. Taking care of your body's healing is your responsibility, but we're here to offer guidance and assistance to the best of our ability.
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