Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once you remove the last Saniderm bandage after 5 days. However, deeper layers of the skin will still be fully healing for up to 6 months.
Usually the tattoo will exude plasma, basically will look like a blob underneathe as the skin heals. Completely normal, will go back to it's normal shade once you take it off and give it a clean.
Saniderm is used to protect the tattoo for the first 3-5 days of healing. Which is when a tattoo is still an open wound and leaking plasma. If you put on more now it will pull up all the scabs and dry skin and damage your tattoo. Your skin should be dry and flakey at this point.
Usually the tattoo will exude plasma, basically will look like a blob underneathe as the skin heals. Completely normal, will go back to it's normal shade once you take it off and give it a clean.
You shouldnt keep saniderm on for 7 days. 3-4 days is the correct length of time. At this point if the tattoo isn't completely sealed in the saniderm then you should just remove it and care for it as usual. Keep it clean and your hair out of it if your hair is long.
* You cannot leave saniderm on your tattoo, if it is leaking. If bacteria can get out of your bandage, it can get in - leaving you susceptible to infection.
Saniderm allows the tattoo to breathe fully while protecting it and keeping the perfect moisture balance. In most cases the tattoo is healed once the Saniderm comes off, but there may be another day of two of peeling skin. There will be another week or so of the skin appearing dry, or even flaking.
Once you remove your Saniderm bandage and won't be applying another, gently wash your new tattoo with luke-warm water and antibacterial soap. Once washed, pat dry with a clean paper towel. After the first 12 hours apply a white unscented lotion or a very small dab of Hustle Butter Deluxe 2-3 times a day.
During this time there will be a buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath the bandage. This is normal and should remain contained within the Saniderm. Though your tattoo may look blurry, remember that it's just the fluid. Your tattoo is fine.
Most customers who have used Saniderm as directed, report their tattoo colors as even more vibrant and intact, as compared to other aftercare products. How long should I leave Saniderm on my tattoo? In general, leave Saniderm on your tattoo for at least 24 hours after application, but no longer than 7 days.
Healing With Saniderm
Alternatively, if the fluid that collected beneath your Saniderm has dried out or has become itchy or uncomfortable, it is perfectly okay to remove the bandage and begin washing/caring for your tattoo -- even if this happens before the 3-5 day mark!
After removing the wrap from your tattoo:
Apply a thin film of "Aquaphor" as needed to keep moisturized for the next 3-4 days (1 day if Saniderm was used). Blot any excess amount! DO NOT overuse!
A deeper, invisible healing maturation period then occurs, lasting anywhere from 20 days to 2 years. When getting a new tattoo, your Saniderm bandage will be applied for the first 8-24 hours and will be removed when the lymph fluid build-up and breaks the seal.
General Saniderm aftercare:
Tattoo will look fuzzy and full of liquid under bandage; this is normal as the tattoo will continue to weep and release ink and fluid for 12-24 hours after initial session. The degree of fluid will depend partially on how heavily the tattoo was shaded.
Check out our article on minimizing tattoo peeling to view reference photos and learn more. Some peeling is not uncommon during the tattoo healing process with Saniderm. However, it is not normal for a tattoo to be scabbing under the tattoo bandage.
This helps to prevent the adhesive from sticking directly to the fresh tattoo until the tattoo begins to peel. Once this stage occurs, the peeling skin will cling to the film itself. There is no need to worry about Saniderm negatively affecting your ink at all.
When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that's your cue to remove or replace the bandage. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it's okay to carefully replace it with a new one.
It is normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it Alone. After a couple of days, the liquid will start to harden up under the saniderm.
Once your tattoo is dry, the skin around the area will begin to feel tight. This happens as your tattoo dries out, and it's a good indicator that it's time to apply moisturizer. Once again, we use and recommend Sanibalm for this. Rub it in gently until it's absorbed by the skin — be sure to apply a very thin layer.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
SANIDERM AFTERCARE
Leave the Saniderm on for 3-5 days - do not leave it on for over 5. While the Saniderm is on: You do not need to do anything to the tattoo. You may notice excess ink pooling inside of the bandage - this is normal.
While laser is definitely the best method of removing tattoo ink, certain pigments used in cosmetic tattoos don't respond well to laser treatment. The ingredients in these pigments can be very different from those used in conventional ink, and laser treatment could change the color of some rather than lightening them.