Leave the Tegaderm on for 3-4 DAYS do not lift it, change it or remove it. The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing.
That is quite literally what it is made FOR. Removing and reapplying after one day only causes unnecessary irritation, and applying a new piece in an unsanitary environment like your home only increases risk of infection. The bandage should be left on for at least 3 and no longer than 5 days.
The saniderm is meant to hold in plasma. Essentially just to help it to heal. No harm in taking it off early. If you feel like water has gotten into it, take it off and use their care instructions.
If the bandage comes off in the first 24 hours after your appointment, there are two options. The first option is to just follow the aftercare instructions listed above for non-tegaderm tattoos. The other option is to purchase tegaderm (or similar bandage) at a pharmacy and apply it yourself.
Tegaderm is great for tattoos because it is low-maintenance and can reduce healing time. It is water-resistant, so you can shower with it on, but try to keep it out of the water as much as possible and keep soaps/body products away from it.
For example, if you get tattooed early in the day, leave the bandage on until the evening, but if you get tattooed at night and go to bed soon after, it's ok to leave the initial bandage on until the morning. Either way, don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.
Product Description Nexcare™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Dressing is a thin, clear dressing that keeps out water, dirt and germs, yet lets the skin breathe. It is designed to be applied directly over clean skin or wounds and to stay on until new skin covers the wound surface, or up to seven days.
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
Apply patches of Tegaderm and overlap them to cover the tattoo completely, trying not to allow for bubbles (Though you may gently work them out if you'd like).
You should note that saniderm/Recovery-derm/ Tegaderm are all the same thing, just different brands. Wash your hands and remove the original saniderm slowly, THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE TATTOO WITH ANTIBACTERIAL, FRAGRANCE FREE SOAP.
Provided the wearer does not have an allergy to adhesives, second skin is arguably the greatest game-changer in the tattoo industry, making the healing process faster, safer and more efficient!
Dressing may be left on for extended periods (up to 28 days). Change dressing if it is leaking, lifting off or if there is wound fluid under the adhesive border. If there is leakage within the first 4 days, a more absorbent dressing is likely needed.
No need to worry if your second skin is peeling off early - jump in the shower and warm water (never hot water straight after being tattooed) will relax and soften the adhesive, allowing you to remove it with ease.
How do I remove a bandage as painlessly as possible? Our waterproof bandages and Tegaderm™ Transparent Dressings are designed for easy removal. Just grab an edge of either of these and stretch away from the wound, parallel to the skin. This releases the adhesive and it comes right off without grimacing.
It is okay if your Saniderm Bandage begins to peel off early. If this happens, remove the tattoo wrap and apply a new tattoo bandage as needed.
Tegaderm (Saniderm)
Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 5 days and do not lift, change, or remove it. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while healing.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Use a transparent dressing, such as Nexcare Tegaderm or Waterproof, to keep your scrape or abrasion moist to improve healing. Studies have shown that when a wound is kept moist and not allowed to scab over, it is less painful and heals faster.
Nexcare™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Dressing¬ lets you bring hospital grade products home to your family. Low profile, this film dressing adheres to your skin to completely shield your injury from water, dirt and germs, while allowing your wound to breathe.
Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm. He will provide you with a second bandage. Leave the original bandage on overnight.
Saniderm should not be worn for more than 7 days total.”
Tattoo Aftercare with Second Skin
That is completely normal, so do try to keep the second skin on for the full 24 hours. After that 24 hours has passed, remove the second skin and clean your tattoo with neutral/unscented soap, and then pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
NOTES ON SANIDERM
If you experience redness and itchiness around the edges of the Saniderm, peel it back and trim off the excess.