During this time there will be a buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath the bandage—this is normal, and should stay contained within the second skin. If it does leak out (and the seal between the second skin and your skin is broken), remove the bandage and continue with aftercare as instructed below.
Comments Section Since the Saniderm is leaking you need to remove it immediately and completely. It's likely that the bandage is open somewhere and if it is then anything can get inside and be trapped against your fresh tattoo in the bandage. It's not worth the risk of keeping the bandage on.
If fluid starts leaking out of the edges of the Saniderm start lifting and exposes the fresh tattoo, take the bandage off and follow normal healing procedures. If the seal has broken that means bacteria can enter so you should take it off and wash and moisturize your tattoo like normal.
If anything gets in or out of that second skin take it off and do normal after care. Clean/moisturize. If it's still completely sealed I usually leave mine on anywheres from 3-5 days.
If the water got underneath the second skin, take it off. Second skin is only effective when there is no leak/exposure to the air.
If it does leak out (and the seal between the second skin and your skin is broken), remove the bandage and continue with aftercare as instructed below.
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.
Your bandage should remain in place for 3-5 days after application. However, early removal may be necessary if you notice: Excessive fluid buildup (more than a soy sauce packet amount) Bandage becoming compromised or detached.
If it peels so much that any part of the tattoo is no longer completely covered, take it all off and resume normal tattoo aftercare explained in the section above. If you notice any redness/discoloration, rash, itchiness or any other unpleasant reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash the area immediately.
Aftercare for normal healing without Second Skin:
Leave bandage on for a minimum of 3 hours. After removing the bandage, clean tattoo gently with unscented soap and warm water. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towel. Do not re-bandage.
Is it normal to have fluid under the Second Skin? It's completely normal. The fluid that gets trapped between the skin and the layer of Second Skin is a mixture of Blood, Plasma and Ink.
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.
Leaking Plasma During The Healing Time
It will leak out and try and harden into a scab. Your body is recognizing an open wound and trying to close it off with white blood cells and lymph. Always wash your tattoo gently, blot dry, and air out prior to adding more ointment. You only need a little bit a few times a day.
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!
Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months.
You can very easily cause damage and potentially cause scarring on your tattoo if you forcibly remove or damage these layers. The best thing you can do is let your body do its job and heal. Your tattoo is almost healed.
If given one piece of Saniderm:
Your tattoo may look muddy or hazy underneath. Excessive fluid will affect the adhesion of Saniderm. After 3-4 days, remove Saniderm under warm running water, such as a shower.
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!
Saniderm / Second Skin Bandage:
(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.
How to deal if the second skin is coming off early!? 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.
There's some leftover adhesive, how do I get it off? Massage some coconut oil (or our tattoo cream) into the area with clean hands. Let it sit for about a minute and then gently rub it off. If that doesn't do the trick, repeat the process.
After a couple of days, the liquid can start to harden. If for some reason the liquid leaks out the bottom of the saniderm, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, please remove the saniderm immediately and care for your tattoo using the directions provided below.
You can shower with the bandage but avoid soaking it or submerging it in water (no swimming or baths). If water gets under the bandage, remove it immediately and continue with the normal aftercare routine.
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.