(If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below). After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid.
Once it leaks, even a little bit, it's no good. Take it off, wash it, and apply a thin layer of aftercare. You can go back to your artist within 24 hours and let them reapply a new piece of Saniderm if you want, but for something this small I'd probably just go the traditional route.
* 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. You cannot Tape saniderm back on, this is not a sanitary way to re-attach your saniderm.
If at any point your Saniderm peels up to expose part of the tattoo, or fills up with liquid from an outside source (such as water from the sink or shower), remove the Saniderm completely and swap over to the dry heal method for the remainder of the healing period.
You should remove your tattoo wrap after 2 to 3 hours of getting your tattoo done, so your tattoo can breathe. After removal wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and running water.
When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.
Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.
Monitor leaking ink and fluids: It's normal for some ink and fluids to leak from the tattooed area for a few days (2 -3 days). If this continues longer than 4 days, something is interfering with the healing process.
Your first bandage applied by the artist must be worn for 24 hours, do not remove it early. You will have irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and ink collect under the bandage.
In the first twenty-four hours there may be a build up of blood, ink, and/or plasma underneath the Saniderm. This is completely normal. You do not want to leave the build up for more than one day. Remove Saniderm when there is build up, clean and dry the tattooed area and re-apply.
Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping. When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that's your cue to remove or replace the bandage.
Wash your tattoo twice a day with warm water and mild soap, allowing the area to air-dry. Alternatively, you can pat-dry the area with a soft microfiber towel—never drag or wipe.
After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it.
If you get your Saniderm wet, it's no big deal! Saniderm stays on skin even when wet. Saniderm also prevents unwanted contaminants such as soaps and shampoos from coming into contact with your freshly tattooed skin. This helps to minimize any unnecessary irritation you may experience from these factors.
If at any point you notice the bandage leaking ink, blood or any other fluid, or if the bandage is exposing your tattoo, you MUST remove the Sani-Derm bandage ASAP as it it now being exposed to air and increases your risk of infection.
During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.)
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!
Make sure that you properly apply the Saniderm bandage and leave at least 1 inch of buffer area around the tattoo. Doing this will play a large role in preventing fluids from building up too much and spilling out.
Remove the bandage after 3-12 hours. 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.
Sleep on a clean surface
Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo, as the friction from the sheets can disrupt the healing process. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist and use a clean pillowcase or bedding to promote a healthy healing process.
Once your tattoo is uncovered you're free to rinse it gently with lukewarm or cold water and hypoallergenic antibacterial soap, and do not submerge your tattoo in water for any length of time.