Long-Term Bandages
What is it?
When the medical
field advances,
tattoo artists get to
reap the benefits.
At Ink Alchemy,
we are always
looking to improve the
healing experience for out client’s tattoos so that they have the best longevity.
There are many brands available, from Recovery: Dermshield to Saniderm, Second Skinand more.
With differing degrees of pliability, durability and comfort, it is a personal preference and a free service we offer to all clientele.
How it works
The bandage is usually transparent, enabling you to see the tattoo while it heals. This is ideal for making sure it is healthy and safely progressing through the healing stages.
It is intended to remain on the tattoo for 3-6 days, though some individuals find that less time suits them better. This is a matter of comfort and preference.
What are the benefits?
These types of bandages are water resistant, gas porous and usually quite flexible (this varies depending on brand and body types).
Showering
You can shower with the bandage on. It prevents any water from getting within, as long as you have not broken the adhesive seal around the edges.
Pain
The days of warily putting on a shirt, or trying to find a way to sleep without getting stuck to your sheets, or smearing ointment on them is a thing of the past.
The bandage prevents all of this, providing a comfortable and safe barrier against unnecessary friction or materials.
Cleanliness
Concerns of lint, fabric, animal hair, or other unexpected spills are a thing of the past. This bandage protects anything from getting to your tattoo so long as the adhesive seal remains intact.
What are the Risks involved?
It is important to inform your artist if you have sensitivities or allergies to adhesives, as this would increase your risks, or necessitate avoiding the use of this type of bandage.
Allergies
Because there is an adhesive in prolonged contact with your skin, some people may have, or develop an allergy.
This will appear as: a red, patchy rash where the adhesive is in contact with your skin (very rarely directly on the tattoo)
If you experience this, remove the bandage carefully, wash the entire area, and apply a gentle lotion or ointment to the red areas to sooth the irritated skin.
If the rash spreads, or swelling intensifies, please seek out a medical professional.
Please be aware that allergies like this can develop unexpectedly. The more you subject yourself to an irritant, the higher the risk of intensifying future reactions.