FAQ
Deluxe pre-application instructions:
Before applying Deluxe, be sure that the skin around the tattoo has also been shaved. Removing a bandage from hair may be unpleasant. After finishing a tattoo session, make sure the tattoo is clean (no residue leftover from the tattooing session), and then dry the area. Do not clean a fresh tattoo with products containing isopropyl alcohol or glycerin. Isopropyl alcohol will certainly kill any bacteria in the area, but it will also kill all of your body’s own healing elements in the process. This will cause the wound to dry out under the bandage when it’s applied. If using astringent on a new tattoo, we suggest using an alcohol-free, unscented variant of Witch Hazel. Additionally, glycerin can react with the adhesive of Deluxe, causing many issues from rashes to the adhesive binding too strongly.
Deluxe application:
1. Cut and trim Deluxe to fit around the tattoo – include an extra inch around all sides. TIP: Cutting the edges of the bandage to be round will help it adhere better and feel more comfortable. 2. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo. 3. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth the bandage over the tattoo. 4. Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3 to 24 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours. Did you know that a tattoo is an open wound? As you get tattooed, your body undergoes a series of traumatizing punctures, which will create an abrasion-like wound. And, just like any wound, it opens your body up to the risk of infections. This is where a Deluxe Skin Guard comes in. Deluxe is a medical-grade, waterproof tattoo bandage that is breathable and used like a “second skin” to heal your tattoo. Before we begin discussing how Deluxe works, you first have to understand how tattoo healing works. Let’s take a quick look.
Tips for cleaning and reapplication of Deluxe tattoo guard:
1. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge to clean your tattoo. These can be painful to clean a new tattoo with, and may harbor bacteria. 2.Do not hold your tattoo directly under the water. Wash it indirectly by splashing the water over the tattoo with your hands. The stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo. If your new tattoo is covering a large area of skin, it may be easiest to wash the tattoo in the shower. If your tattoo weeped a lot and the lymph fluid is sticky, gently wash the fluid off with your hands. 3. Once you have thoroughly washed the tattoo, gently pat it dry with a little paper towel. Do not rub the tattoo, as this may cause irritation. Leave the tattoo uncovered for 15-20 minutes before reapplying another Deluxe tattoo bandage. This will allow any excess moisture in the tattoo to evaporate. 4. The best way to remove Deluxe is to find an edge of the bandage, and then to pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Deluxe can be painful, so we don’t recommend it. In some rare cases, certain people will “stick” to Deluxe bandage more than others, which can make it more difficult than normal to remove. In cases like this, try removing the bandage in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive, and make it easier to remove. 5. Make sure that you properly apply the Deluxe 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.
What to do if your Deluxe bandage is leaking:
If fluid is leaking out of the Deluxe skin guard bandage, this indicates a break in the seal of the adhesive. At this point, the tattoo is no longer being protected and is vulnerable to potential contaminants. Remove the bandage, clean the tattoo, and apply a new piece of the Deluxe Skin Guard.
How deluxe helps in wound care:
When applied to a minor wound or abrasion, Deluxe prevents the formation of scabs by providing optimal healing conditions. Simultaneously, Deluxe prohibits the introduction of foreign contaminants and bacteria into the wound—minimizing the risk of infection. In addition to cosmetic perks due to the reduced scarring, using Deluxe to prevent scabbing increases mobilization during the healing process. It is especially useful in high movement areas as there is no worry of the wound reopening with physical activity or movement. Overall, practicing the wet healing method with Deluxe may help you heal your wound with ease. For non-tattoo wound healing, consult a medical professional before using Deluxe.
What should I do if my bandage fills with blood?
When using Deluxe to heal my tattoo there’s a good chance that the tattoo will bleed under the wrap and pool with some bodily fluid. It’s totally normal for your Deluxe tattoo bandage to fill with plasma, ink, and blood. You may also see a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the bandage. How much fluid is dependent on a number of factors. In fact, it’s totally normal for your Deluxe to fill with very little or quite a bit of fluid. The body’s reaction to tattooing differs from person to person and tattoo to tattoo. It’s usually not problematic if there is blood under your tattoo bandage. However, understanding what’s happening underneath your bandage will help you make smart decisions when changing or removing it.
So what should you do if your bandaged tattoo starts to smell bad?
If you’re still within the 24-48 hour window of getting your tattoo, we recommend just removing your Deluxe Bandage and applying a new one. Be sure you’re following proper application and removal steps! If you’re already on day 3-4, presuming there are no signs of infection, complications, or excessive fluid buildup, it’s okay to leave that bandage on for up to the 5-day mark (even if it smells a little bit).
Other points to keep in mind:
1. If you accidentally bump your new tattoo with a Deluxe bandage over it, it may begin to weep more heavily. If there is so much fluid buildup under Deluxe that you suspect the bandage may begin to leak or burst, you can remove it and apply a new bandage. 2. Because a new tattoo is an open wound that is secreting blood and lymph fluid, you may find that your new smells bad underneath the bandage. This is especially true when using Deluxe, as the bandage allows fluid to pool at the surface of the skin. This is a normal part of the tattoo healing process.
Can you shower with a new tattoo?
Some people are afraid that their new tattoo will wash off in the shower. While you don’t want to bathe with a new tattoo, showering isn’t only okay but recommended. That is, as long as you take a few precautions to protect the new ink. If your tattoo artist wraps your tattoo in a quality medical-grade bandage like Deluxe Tattoo Care, you can shower anytime. Just make sure you follow their recommendation. If not, you’ll want to avoid showering until you take off the tattoo wrap when the tattoo artist recommends removal. The timing will depend on the size and placement of the tattoo. You also don’t want to just shower as usual as the tattoo will require special care to heal properly. Getting splashed with water is fine, but you’ll want to avoid submerging the tattoo or leaving it under running water. So, take short showers and wash very gently—no washcloth or loofah over the new ink—with a mild, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Avoid any chemicals that can irritate or dry out the skin and potentially slow healing or damage the tattoo. Then gently and quickly rinse the tattoo, after ensuring your hands are clean.
How do you know if your tattoo is healing properly?
When you first get a mew tattoo, it can be distressing to see the ink begin to peel away. However, this is a normal sign of the healing process as the body gets rid of dry, dead skin within about a week after the tattoo is done. You then may have scabs that also peel off on their own (please don’t pick at them) in the second week. Finally, before the tattoo is fully healed, you may notice it looks dull, which is the final stage of dead skin cells over the tattoo. Once the skin fully peels, your tattoo will look bright and vibrant. Remember, however, to regularly moisturize the fresh ink with a specially formulated tattoo ointment or lotion at least a couple of times a day to protect your investment and your skin. In addition, if your skin continues to itch, the lotion or ointment can help relieve the discomfort during the tattoo healing process. Finally, if your tattoo continues to be red, puffy, or itchy beyond the first few days to a week of healing, and especially if there is any pus, fluid, or other signs of infection, then get an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Tattoo before and after healing:
After you first get your tattoo, you may not be happy with how it looks. After all, the skin is red, swollen, and oozing plasma, blood, and ink. Will your tattoo look better when it heals? Of course. It just takes time as the skin goes through all of the healing stages. Within a month to six weeks, the tattoo will look vibrant and healed. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop your aftercare. Continue following the tattoo aftercare instructions for several months to ensure your tattoo stays clean, heals completely, and looks its absolute best.