How To Use Tegaderm For Tattoo Aftercare
Getting a tattoo is only half of the tattooing experience. You have to take proper care of it afterward to prevent infections and bring the colors to life. Many practitioners recommend Tegaderm bandages to their clients for the best tattoo healing results. Here, we will try to answer all the questions you might have regarding the use of Tegaderm on tattoos.
Can I Put Tegaderm On My Tattoo?
Yes, you can put Tegaderm on your tattoos during the healing phase. Tegaderm is one of the most-used medical dressings around the world. It is well known for its effectiveness in treating wounds. Since newly done tattoos are fresh wounds, you can rely on Tegaderm bandages to accelerate your recovery.
Is Tegaderm Good For Tattoos?
Tegaderm is excellent for tattoos because it is easy to apply, does not require much care, and speeds up the healing process. It is water-resistant, so there’s no problem if you leave it on while showering. Tegaderm captures the natural moisture and healing enzymes produced by the body.
Will Tegaderm Ruin My Tattoo?
You should not worry about Tegaderm compromising the quality of your tattoo. Hundreds of people have shared their positive experiences of using Tegaderm during their tattoo recovery phases. Tegaderm contains no harmful elements that adversely affect the tattoo. That said, you should not leave it on over the recommended period.
Since your tattoo will be in the weeping stage of healing when you apply the first piece, Tegaderm adhesive won’t adhere to it. Your body will push extra ink and plasma to the surface during this stage. Therefore, the adhesive can’t stick to the newly tattooed area. Tegaderm cannot contaminate or remove the ink because of this.
Can You Put Tegaderm On A New Tattoo?
Yes, it is safe to use Tegaderm on a new tattoo. Tegaderm is a breathable, anti-bacterial, and waterproof barrier that can protect your freshly done tattoo from infection.
Besides protecting your tattoo, it will also keep your bed sheets and clothes safe from ink and blood stains. That is why many practitioners cover the fresh tattoo on their client’s body with a Tegaderm.
How Long Do You Leave Tegaderm On A Tattoo?
How long do you keep Tegaderm on tattoos? The first one should be removed after a day. You need to apply the second one by yourself immediately afterward. Leave it on the tattoo for three to five days.
Once the tattoo needles penetrate the skin, the body produces healing enzymes. Tegaderm retains these healing elements and boosts the recovery process.
But you can’t leave it on for too long because blood and ink pool behind it, increasing infection risks.
When To Change Tegaderm Tattoo?
Now you know how long to keep Tegaderm on a tattoo. But what happens after you remove it? Do you put on a new one?
You need to change the first one after a day. For the second one, wait for three to five days. After removing it, consult your practitioner.
You might have to put on a new one if the wound did not heal sufficiently.
Can You Take Tegaderm Off Early?
You should not remove the Tegaderm prematurely. Since the wound will still be moist and healing, it will be highly vulnerable to harmful microbes and other contaminating factors.
So, don’t take off the Tegaderm before the recommended three to five days period. If you need to take it off early, talk to your practitioner to do it as safely as possible.
How To Use Tegaderm For Tattoos?
- After finishing the tattoo, the artist will put a Tegaderm over it and give you another one.
- Keep the first one overnight and replace it with the second one later.
- Clean your tattoo with warm water and non-abrasive soap.
- Then, carefully place the new Tegaderm strap over your tattoo.
- Make sure it covers the tattoo entirely. Don’t remove it for the next 3/5 days.
How To Remove Tegaderm From Tattoo?
Don’t just peel it off like Band-Aid. It could be pretty painful and might take out ink from the tattoo. Not to mention, it could also draw out more blood from the wound and make it worse. Take your time to remove it from your skin. Wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and mild soap after removing the Tegaderm.
Final Words
If you have gone through the article attentively, you should now know how to apply Tegaderm to a tattoo, when to take Tegaderm off tattoo, and, more importantly, how long to leave Tegaderm on tattoo.
Tegaderm can be an excellent recovery aid for tattoos if you properly adhere to the aftercare routine.
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