THE WOLF SHED
Aftercare for Dermalize & Butterluxe Products
This advice is given as a written reminder of the advised aftercare for your new tattoo.
Please note that this document and the aftercare kit provided has not been created by a medically trained professional. The kit and the information should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice. Should you require medical advice, please contact your healthcare professional. This has been produced as a best practice guide based upon the advice of the product suppliers and the experience of the artists and studio.
When You Get Home - The loose plastic cling film wrap should be removed, leave on for no longer than 3 hours if absolutely necessary. Once removed move straight onto the Butterluxe instructions/daily routine below.
Butterluxe Instructions/Daily Routine - Start with freshly washed hands, have Plenty kitchen towel at the ready to dry your tattoo (do not use toilet roll or towels). Ensure you have somewhere clean to put down and store the bar of Butterluxe soap. A clean food bag or container can be used.
- Lather the soap in your hands with some cold water (NOT WARM OR HOT). Use your soapy hands, not the bar of soap, to gently wash your tattoo in circular motions (do not use cloths/sponges or the soap bar etc). Remove any secretions in the pores of your skin. Rinse and repeat until the tattoo is thoroughly clean, there should be no plasma residue left on your tattoo. This may feel slightly uncomfortable/sore, however it is an important step, Rinse clean with COLD water.
- Pat dry with a kitchen paper towel (Plenty is preferred as it has minimal fibres). Then allow the tattoo to air dry for a further 5 minutes, it must be completely dry (do not skip either step). If not carried out properly water can become trapped between your fresh tattoo and the aftercare butter, creating an environment for bacteria to breed.
- Add a thin layer of Butterluxe tattoo butter to your tattoo. Applying extra butter will not speed up the healing. You just need a very very thin clear layer, it shouldn't be greasy.
Repeat this four times in the first 24 hours.
Followed by 3 times a day thereafter. Ideally first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day and again before bed.
This should continue for at least 2 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: when drying, toilet paper and regular towels etc. should not be used as the fibres from them become stuck with your tattoo. This will negatively affect the healing process. Again, I can not stress enough how much Plenty kitchen towels are recommended.
Further Important Information & What to Avoid
Once you remove the film your tattoo is essentially an open wound and should be treated as such.
- Your tattoo must be kept clean, dry and away from tight or rubbing clothing to help it heal quickly. Clothing that rubs your tattoo will irritate it and could potentially lead to an infection, DO NOT RISK IT.
- Clean clothing, clean bedding and loose nightclothes should be used to ensure that no bacteria, dust etc. gets to your tattoo whilst it is healing. Keep your tattoo away from surfaces.
- Cover the tattoo in old but clean and loose nightclothes at bedtime, this will help save your sheets.
- Do not apply pressure, over extend or sleep on your tattoo. Where possible elevate and rest the area.
- No swimming or bathing Period - We can not stress this enough. Avoid getting your tattoo wet, avoid getting soaps and shampoos etc on your tattoo. If showering keep the shower cool and the tattoo out of the shower as much as possible. Limit your shower to no more than 3 minutes and quickly dry with kitchen towel, then follow the daily routine once you are dry. Your aim is to keep your tattoo dry, but also keep your body as cool as possible, so that you do not expose your tattoo to sweat or steam.
- Do not bathe with your tattoo hanging out of the bath, this will increase your body temperature, increase sweating and expose your tattoo to unnecessary bacteria.
- No activities such as but not limited to; swimming, sauna, exercising, baths, dirty activities, dusty activities.
- No pet hair, pet cuddles and licks etc.
What to expect:
- Day 1 to 3 the tattoo should be red and sore, this is quite normal but you would expect to see a reduction as time goes on.
- Around day 4 the skin should start to feel a little tight and dry.
- Around day 5 the skin over your tattoo should start to thinly flake, this is normal, do not pick or pull at the flakes, allow them to come away naturally. Continue with your aftercare.
Infections and scabbing can affect your end result and longevity of your tattoo, we do not expect your tattoo to scab, in the event this happens, please contact us for further instructions.
Contact Us ASAP- If you have any concerns, or just want reassurance. We are more than happy to answer any questions and to assist you.
Dermalize Wrap -Only applicable if your tattoo has been covered with second skin. If in doubt, double check.
Demalize is an all-in-one aftercare solution for the initial healing stage of a tattoo. It is a Class 1 Medical Device, a thin self adhesive film that provides a moist healing environment during the initial (and most critical) healing stage of a tattoo wound. It provides a barrier that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from entering the wound. The barrier is breathable, letting oxygen in and allowing excess moisture vapour to be released from the wound. This means scabbing is much less likely, leading to better tattoo healing results.
Leave the Dermalize alone for the first 24 hours after its application by our artist. Please note that once removed or peeled back it will not reattach, so it is important to look after your film.
Whilst wearing the wrap it is especially important to avoid exercise, bathing or anything that will cause you to sweat under the wrap. If you have any concerns about the wrap, please try to contact the studio BEFORE removing to discuss; as early removal can affect the healing process.
You may notice a plasma-like/ink substance start to accumulate under the wrap, this is normal.
Slight reddening, heat and tenderness around a new tattoo site is normal, however should your new tattoo become warmer to the touch or appear very red outside of the tattoo site and wrap, or become very painful; please contact us immediately.
After 24 hours you can carefully remove the wrap. Start with freshly washed hands and have kitchen paper towels (‘Plenty’ is our preferred brand), ready to pat dry. Removal is a fairly slow process and should be done carefully. Lift a corner of the film and stretch horizontally along the skin surface to break the adhesive bond. DO NOT TEAR OFF LIKE A PLASTER. Continue stretching the edge of the film towards the centre. Repeat until the wrap is removed.
If it is very hard to remove the Dermalize in a particular area please contact us for guidance.
In the case of there being a sticky residue from the wrap adhesive left on your tattoo, take a small amount of butterluxe aftercare butter and gently wipe over your tattoo in small gentle circular motions (do not rub at it). The butter should gently break down the adhesive, which will allow you to wash your tattoo completely clean with the Butterluxe soap bar. The process of removing the residue may take some time, be patient.