Saniderm is a polyurethane acrylic adhesive medical bandage. The thin, transparent, flexible film protects your new tattoo from dirt, fluids, friction, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike plastic films, Saniderm is breathable which allows moisture vapor and oxygen exchange to promote the body’s natural healing process.  You can shower like normal, go to work, go to the gym, and continue to do everyday activities with minimal discomfort. You can leave the first bandage on for 8-24 hours, depending on how much it bleeds and weeps. 

After 24 hours, you should remove the initial Saniderm bandage:

• Saturate the Saniderm area under warm running water and gently peel the Saniderm off.
• Wash your tattoo with gentle soap and allow it to air dry. 
• Apply lotion to the tattoo and allow it to breathe for 3-5 hours before applying the second piece of Saniderm.

 RE-APPLICATION STEPS

• Clean and dry the new tattoo and surrounding skin (lotions or ointments are not necessary).
• Cut the Saniderm tattoo aftercare bandage to allow at least 1 inch of Saniderm to be in contact with undamaged skin.
• Peel off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive side.
• Gently apply the bandage using light pressure. For best results, ensure that the skin is in a neutral position.
• Remove the plastic backing, leaving only Saniderm on the skin.

Typically, you can keep the second bandage on anywhere from 3-5 days.
 
Tips for Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare

• For maximum comfort, ensure skin is in a neutral position when applying Saniderm. When applying to elbows and knees, the joint should be in a neutral position — neither straight nor completely bent.
• Practice before you apply. If it's your first time using Saniderm, it may be a little tricky to work with. It doesn't hurt to practice with a small section first, just make sure you shave the area.
• When cutting the bandage for application, remember that rounded corners provide the best adhesion.
• It's okay, when using multiple Saniderm bandages, to overlap them by 1/2 inch (1 cm).
• If using glycerin soap, such as green soap, be sure to rinse thoroughly, as any residue will react with the adhesives and can cause binding and irritation. Avoid loofahs or scratchy wash cloths.

When used properly, Saniderm reduces risk of infection, shortens healing time, and minimizes pain and discomfort, scabbing, and scarring.   https://saniderm.com/about-tattoo-aftercare/

  

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist! 

Call the shop at 480-599-0584 Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-8:00 or by e-mail:

WookieStyleAZ@gmail.com  -  Kris.WookieStyleAZ@gmail.com  -  Megan.WookieStyleAZ@gmail.com

 

• The first step is ALWAYS CALL YOUR ARTIST, 480.599.0584, or stop by the shop to speak to another artist.
  
• We are not medical professionals, but as a result of our combined 50 years experience in the tattoo industry, we do have simple procedures we can share in the event of a"hard heal", and industry products we can recommend.
• Reactions, allergies, and infection are very rare, but do occur.  When in doubt, call, e-mail, or message, your tattoo artist.
  • ​Your artist may ask you to send pics or stop by the shop to see how you are healing. 
  • Tattoo artists are not medical professionals, but they are happy answer questions or make recommendations to help you facilitate a positive healing experience!
• CAUTION:  Call your artist before taking advice from family, friends, neighbors, or the internet! 
  • ​Common skin remedies can be counterproductive when healing tattoos.  Well-meaning friends and family may offer advice that will compromise your new artwork, for example:
    • Neosporin or similar antibiotic ointments are designed to remove impurities from the skin.  This is great for minor scrapes and cuts but will potentially fade your tattoo or create spots of missing color.
    • Vaseline is a petroleum jelly barrier that prevents the skin from breathing and potentially trapping bacteria against your new tattoo, discouraging the natural healing process, which may cause your tattoo to heal poorly and push out ink.
    • Alcohol excessively dries the skin and enflames the abrasion; hydrogen peroxide dries, enflames and bleaches out the ink. 

Preparing for your tattoo

(sCROLL DOWN FOR SANIDERM aftercare)

• Your new tattoo is going to be tender in the first few days, much like a sunburn, and then it will flake and peel.
• Swelling is normal and should go down significantly within the first two to three days. 
  • Depending on the location and complexity of the work, swelling may take up to five days to resolve completely.
• As your tattoo heals it will become itchy but DO NOT pick or scratch!  Instead you can pat lightly and apply lotion, rubbing it in completely.
  • You risk loss of ink and scarring if you pick or scratch your healing tattoo.

if trouble arises

what to expect

• Redness that extends outside the tattoo area for more than a couple of days after your appointment, continues to expand further, or goes away and then comes back.
• Redness and swelling that is hot to the touch.
• Bleeding, oozing, or colored discharge that continues past the second or third day.
• Extreme hard scabbing that can’t be resolved with hot compresses.​

SANIDERM/hexderm aftercare

• Remove bandage after two (2) hours; wash with warm water and gentle soap.
  • Do not use a washcloth, just use your bare, clean hands. A washcloth is too rough.
• Massage lotion into the skin five (5) times a day.  Rub it in completely until there are no white streaks.
  • We recommend Curel or Lubriderm lotion for sensitive skin, low alcohol content is key.
• Absolutely NO SOAKING, SUNNING, OR SWIMMING for at least ten (10) days.
  • Showers are fine, just nothing where you are soaking your new tattoo. 
• For the first three (3) nights, cover the tattoo with Saran Wrap (clear plastic wrap).
  • Saran Wrap doesn't stick to you, so it will protect you from sticking to your sheets or pillowcases and traumatizing your tattoo.
  • It will be goopy, gross, and nasty looking when you wake up, DON'T freak out!  That is the plasma and sweat, stained by excess ink that would have stuck you to the sheets. 
• Try not to wear any clothing that will irritate the tattoo while healing.
  • Pay attention to hems on sleeves or pant/short legs as well as bra straps. 

STANDARD aftercare

what to watch out for

reasons for concern

• You have an open abrasion, avoid introducing bacteria into your healing process by being cognizant of pet dander; clean clothing, sheets, and towels; dust; grease; oil; perfumes; scented lotions; etc. 
• Excessive sweating can significantly dry out your new tattoo, so keep it clean and moisturize as instructed.
• Constant friction or rubbing against your clothing can cause irritation, delay healing, and encourage scarring.
• Over moisturizing can attract dirt and debris, creating an environment for bacteria growth and prevents the skin from breathing, discouraging your body’s natural healing process.
• Exfoliating soap or creams, Loofahs, will create irreparable damage the tattoo, skin, and create scarring.

• Absolutely NO drugs or alcohol prior to your appointment.
• Make sure you eat a good meal and stay hydrated prior to and during your session.  Water is available at the shop, but it is key to stay hydrated prior to your appointment.
• ​​​Known health issues can be disclosed on the customer information sheet.  This allows the artist to take additional precautions if necessary, rest assured personal information is always kept confidential.
• Proper care is taken to sanitize all workstations and equipment before and after every tattoo session.  Safety and cleanliness are of utmost importance for our artists and our customers.  Special care is given to ensure a sanitary environment is maintained at all times.
• Following the tattoo session, you will be advised on how to care for your new tattoo to ensure proper healing.  Aftercare products are available for sale to ease the healing process and preserve the quality of the artwork provided.