ALL ABOUT TATTOOS
Are Tattoos art?
Yes tattoos are art. However, some tattoos are good art, poorly done... and some tattoos are bad art, done well. Find a tattooist who is competent with both a pencil and a tattoo machine.
Do tattoos hurt?
You bet it hurts. Not as much as you think and definitely not as much as some would like you to believe. Yes, some areas are more tender than others, but the discomfort is manageable if you're getting what you really want, where you really want it.
Where can I have a tattoo put?
Where to place a tattoo is, and always should be, your own decision. Don't be influenced by "it'll hurt less there" or "it'll be cooler here", get the tattoo where YOU want it!
General advice on placement is that you should consider what kind of clothes you wear, work and social habits, whether you would like it to show all the time, or only when you want to show it off, and in some cases, the appropriateness of the design itself (i.e. the naked warrior girl might be better placed on the calf than the forearm for those who have to attend PTA meetings or be Soccer Mom/Dads! Most professional tattoo shops will not tattoo faces as part of regular options. They may tattoo your neck and hands IF you already have a lot of coverage. Do not expect to be able to get your first tattoo on your knuckles or face at a reputable shop!
There are certain areas of the body where the skin does not cooperate well with tattoos over time, notably the fingers, toes and feet. Hands are constantly exposed to the sun, scuffing and rubbing on things, likewise the feet and toes rub on shoes. This means the skin is tougher in these areas and constantly regenerating so it is likely the tattoo will fade fairly quickly. It will need to be touched up on a regular basis. It may not seem like a problem at first, but on your fifth redo, you might begin to wish you hadn't bothered! Women who are considering having children are advised not to get tattooed on the stomach and local area as the skin stretches so much during pregnancy that the tattoo is often badly damaged.
Some types of SCARRING can be tattooed over, but not all, consult with an experienced artist about this. Surgical scars should be at least 6 months old before they are ready to be tattooed over.
Is tattooing Safe?
Yes... if proper sterilization and infection control standards are practiced by the studio you've chosen. Basically, this means anything that comes in contact with blood / body fluids must either be disposed of (single - use) or sterilized (auto-claved). Tattoos are no less safe than a trip to the dentist.
What is an autoclave?
An autoclave is a heat / steam / pressure unit that achieves and maintains 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) under 10 pounds (4.5 Kilograms) pressure for 30 minutes or up to 270 degrees Fahrenheit (132 degrees Celsius) under 15 pounds (6.8 Kilograms) pressure for 15 minutes. Most units run a 55 minute cycle from a cold start. It is the only accepted method of sterilization that will kill every living microorganism known to mankind.
What does the term "single-use" needles mean?
This means that every set of needles used to apply your tattoo are brand new. They are individually packaged, sealed, and auto-claved at production site. An indicator strip on the package changes color when processing has occurred. After use, the needles are disposed of.
One needle, one customer, ALWAYS.
What about inks and other materials?
All ointments, pigments, gloves, ink cups, razors, etc. used to apply your tattoo are discarded after use. Nothing is reused, this eliminates any possibility of contamination of materials. After the tattoo procedure has been completed, the work area surfaces are disinfected with an EPA approved antiseptic which kills any surface bacteria or viruses.
How do I know if proper standards are being followed?
First, look around. Is the studio clean and professional looking? Appearances can tell you a lot. Then, ask questions. A professional studio takes pride in its safe tattooing procedures and won't mind answering your concerns.
How should I take care of my tattoo?
Our job is done, now it's your turn...
Not looking after your tattoo properly may result in loss of quality, so you should follow the aftercare instructions carefully... Do not listen to your friends and people in bars who think they have a better idea!!!!!
“Anyone who is artistic can tattoo.”
Don't bet your skin on it.
The ability to draw neat designs does not make a tattooist. Without the proper equipment, mechanical skill and technical knowledge, that pretty paper design can turn into anything from mush to scar tissue in a couple of months.
“Every tattooist has artistic talent. “
Unfortunately, this too is false.
A good deal of a professional tattooist's time is spent fixing or covering someone else's "artistic talent". A great deal of tattooing is tracing and using influences and reference.
“Any good artist can do any tattoo. “
Not necessarily. While most professionals are capable of a variety of styles, they usually have a specialty, a unique style of tattooing they've developed and are very good at. That artist who's known for his killer tribal work may not be the choice for the portrait of mom and dad you've been planning. Match the design you want with the artist who can best pull it off.
“My tattoo doesn't look right, I'll just go back and have them fix it. “
Bad idea. Odds are that if their first attempt is botched, so will their second, and third... Steer clear. A professional may be able to fix-up that blotched job, but if you keep going back to the butcher, you'll probably end up with an even darker, uglier tattoo that requires a cover-up... Much larger and much more expensive.
“Tattoos are accepted by society now. “
Yes, more than say 10 or 20 years ago, but not as mainstream as you may think. Most non-tattooed people still associate tattooing with sailors, circus sideshows, skid row drunks and outlaw rebels. You would be wise to place your first tattoo where it is covered by normally worn clothing unless you are fully confident and secure in how you are portrayed by others. It’s not for them, it’s for you, but everyone is entitled to an opinion.
“Artist want you to get real big designs so they can charge more. “
Nonsense. Most established professionals have more work than they can handle and can make more money doing a lot of small, uncomplicated pieces than a few large complex ones.
“If I don't get a tattoo today, I probably won't get one.”
Don't get one. An impulsive whim is a really stupid reason to make such a permanent decision. If you wouldn't get a tattoo tomorrow, don't get one today. Patience is part of the process that makes forever all the more fruitful.
“Photos are the best way to judge an artist's talent. “
No. The best way is to see real tattoos on real people. Photos are second best. They do give you a good idea of what the artist is capable of. Drawings or FLASH may reflect a tattooist's taste and artistic ability, but give no clue as to his ability to tattoo those designs on your skin.
“I want your cheapest tattoo. “
Go home!
If you're shopping price, it's a safe bet you're getting tattooed for all the wrong reasons...” It's cool, my friends have one, I'm expressing my individuality, it'll piss mom off”. If you're serious about getting a tattoo, get exactly what you want, even if you have to save up for it.
“But I really want "LIVE FREE" on my knuckles. I'll never regret it. “
Yeah, right. And that guy over there still thinks true love is having his ex-wife's name forever tattooed on his chest. If a tattooist refuses to do a particular design, think about it before you blow your top... They just may have a good reason.
“You're not a real tattoo fan if you don't have lots of tattoos.”
Definitely not true. A person with one terrific tattoo displays more respect for the art form than someone with an armful of uninspired badly-inked images.
“Don't get any water on your tattoo. “
Partly true. You must not "soak" a new tattoo, but gentle hand-washing of it is necessary to remove harmful bacteria from the healing tattoo. When you shower, simply apply a little extra coating of ointment to the tattoo and avoid direct shower spray on it. Blot off excess ointment when you're done bathing. Don’t pack up and head to the beach after leaving the studio, this is always a very dangerous and bad idea.
Coverups and Touchups
Many people have tattoos that seemed like a good idea at the time and whether it was through a bad choice of tattooists, a bottle of vodka, a blunt, or whatever, the results won't go away. There is a solution apart from a laser or a long sleeved shirt:
Some bad tattoos are restorable to a proper version of the original plan and these are known as reworks, but the majority are usually only savable through cover-ups and you may be limited on the choice of design. Remember that a cover up cannot always be your dream tattoo as it may not be possible to fit a specific design to the old piece, this depends how dark and distorted the old tattoo is. Usually we can come up with a good compromise though and anyone needing help or information about cover ups should contact us and be prepared to send a photo!
Tribal is not usually applicable here unless you want a black square, but there are more options than the standard black panther or peacock of old depending on the size of the old tattoo and intensity of dark pigments. Every cover-up is an individual custom fitted piece and those interested should contact us for more details.
What's In Tattoo Ink?
The vast majority of tattoo pigments are derived from metals, which makes them a potential source for developing a skin reaction. Some pigments do have non-metallic options for those who have concerns or a past history of allergic reactions to these compounds.
Red is the color most commonly associated with reactions within a tattoo. Mercury is the base metal in red tattoo dye, and may be known by the names mercury sulphide, cinnabar, vermillion and red cinnabar.
Reactions within the tattoo may be eczemas or granulomas. These reactions are often seen several years from the time the tattoo is placed and may be associated with exposure to cross reactants. These include such chemicals as thimerasol (a widely used preservative), mercurochrome and some vaccines that also contain thimerasol. For those with known thimerasol allergies who are set upon having red within their tattoos, there are a variety of non-metallic pigments that lend a red color to the skin such as carmine (derived from dried insect carcasses) and scarlet lake, sandalwood and brazilwood which are organic red pigments.
Another option, cadmium red is related to the metal family and may have potential reactivity and cadmium sulfide may be a byproduct within some red dyes which may result in a photo-toxic swelling of the area when exposed to light.
Black is most commonly achieved from carbon. Sensitivity to carbon is rare. Other sources of black tattoo color may be found in black ink and logwood. Neither of these are metal derivatives, however, the black waterproof ink contains phenol solution in which charcoal particles are suspended and may be the source of other reactions.
Yellow is achieved from the use of Cadmium and is a common cause of reactions within tattoos. Not only may cadmium produce local or generalized eczema reactions; it has also been associated with photo-toxic reactions when exposed to light. Cadmium sulfide is the most common material used in yellow tattoo ink.
Blue dyes are derived from a variety of Cobalt salts and is notorious for deep granulomas as well as causing localized hypersensitivity reactions and a few reported cases of uveitis (an inflammation of the eyes). Light blue colors are also derived from cobalt and may again cause granulomas. Watch for the names cobalt blue and cobaltous aluminate that are terms for this blue pigment.
Green comes from Chromium and is a common cause of eczematous reactions both within the tattoo, as well as generalized eczematous reactions on the body. Chromium oxide has a variety of names including Chrome green, Casallic green and Guignet's green. These variations while mixed in different suspensions may all cause such significant and long term itching and other eczema reactions that complete removal of the tattoo may be required. The allergic reaction may arise several years after the tattoo has been placed. Other shades of green such as emerald green are formed from another type of chromium salt called chromium sesquioxide (aka veridan) or copper salt derivatives.
Purple is derived from the metal Manganese which may cause the formation of tattoo granulomas.
Violet again comes from Manganese and may also result in granulomas.
Brown dye may be formed via the use of either Venetian Red which is derived from Ferric Oxide or from Cadmium salts, associated with photo-toxic swelling upon exposure to sunlight.
White tattoos are achieved usually from titanium or zinc-oxide or from the use of lead carbonates. These may have the potential to contain metallic derivatives.
New trendy colors I have seen in tattoos such as "hot" turquoise, pink, coral, etc. may also be potential allergens, depending upon the compounds mixed to achieve these colors. I have seen clients who are allergic to fluoroscene used to give some highlighter colors a neon appearance and this may also be used in some tattoo dyes, so take this into account as well. Should you have a past history of a tattoo reaction, make sure you discuss the chemical make-up of the specific dye your artist uses before you go ahead with your tattoo. There may be other pigment options available to you. These days we use many organic or vegan friendly inks, but it is important to always know what is going in your body, and if it is safe.
Since most tattoo inks contain metal, MRI exams may cause tattoos to have a burning or stinging sensation. Redness may even occur. This should be temporary and the presence of a tattoo is not a contraindication to having an MRI.
Infectious Concerns
Tattooing may potentially result in the accidental inoculation of infectious particles into the skin. The potential risk of infectious spread from tattooing (particularly due to Hepatitis B) is high enough that it is a practice that should be avoided by pregnant women to safeguard the health of the baby, not just the pregnant woman whose immune system is down regulated and is much more vulnerable to these types of infection.
Certainly Universal Precautions practiced by many excellent tattoo parlors minimizes potential infectious risks for the consumer. However, just as not all medical facilities are perfectly fastidious, so too some tattoo parlors may not be up to code. While most commonly thought to be a risk for the tattoo client, realistically a needle stick from the client into the artist also exposes the artist to these risks. Here is a list of some of the most common infectious agents that may be transmitted via needle stick:
Hepatitis B and C The number one risk from a needle stick whether from a tattoo or for a medical professional in the U.S. is hepatitis B, which accounts for 25% of all medical professionals being exposed to this virus. Ask if your tattoo artist has been vaccinated against Hepatitis B. It is a very good idea for their as well as your protection.
Tuberculosis - While most people think TB has been eliminated; it is actually on the rise due to the development of resistant strains. May definitely be transferred via needle stick (not just respiratory spread).
Mycobacteria - Other strains of Mycobacterium (not just those that cause TB) may potentially be passed via needle stick. Atypical Mycobacterium may be found in association with fish tanks for instance, so handlers of exotic fish may be carriers of this infection. (Note my photo of a tattoo inoculated with Mycobacterium)
Syphilis This epidemic venereal disease is contagious through exposure to infected blood in addition to other bodily fluids.
HIV While feared as the major risk to both client as well as tattoo artist, the virus responsible for this disease is very fragile and much harder to spread via needle stick than a hardy virus like Hepatitis B. Still, a reported number of medical workers have been reported to have been infected with HIV from accidental needle sticks, so there is a potential. This will be more of a risk for the artist if they are using new sterile, single use needles and instruments for each client and auto-claving those that are multi-use.
Malaria More likely in indigenous regions, however, your artist (or client) may have been infected from previous travels. If it seems possible, ask.
Hanson's Disease (a.k.a. Leprosy) There have been reports primarily from endemic areas in eastern portions of the world of infectious spread via tattooing.
Skin Reactions
Some skin diseases may flare when insulted by local skin injury. Psoriasis may flare locally at the tattoo site. This is called the Koebner phenomenon. Tattoo inks are typically derived from metals that may cause a wide array of skin reactions. While these can be significant if you are the person affected, they tend to be unusual and affect a limited percentage of the tattooed population.
Patch testing to confirm skin reactions is typically positive for eczema-based tattoo reactions, but usually is negative for granulomatous reactions.
Initial reactions from the tattoo include local swelling, redness, bleeding and scab formation. This is expected and considered an acute inflammatory response. It usually resolves within a few weeks. Certainly infection of the open wound is also a potential problem. However, the following are problems that may be seen later on with tattoos, even years down the road:
Lichenoid (small bumps or papules of reactive tissue)
Sarcoidal granulomas (firm balls of reactive tissue beneath the surface of the skin)
Scaling
Itching
Swelling (often due to a photosensitive/photo-toxic reaction)
Ulceration (the formation of a sore)
Delayed hypersensitivity (a reaction separated by a significant period of time from getting the tattoo, also referred to within the trade as the red reaction)
Lymphocytoma Cutis (a skin reaction that mimics lymphoma of the skin and has been associated with tattoos in addition to other causes such as insect bites, some drugs and allergy shots).
Large, raised scars may develop known as keloids. Tattooing is not recommended to known keloid victims. Keloids while not easily removable may be improved or flattened with the use of topical or preferably injectable steroids directly into the keloid. This may need to be done on an interval basis to keep them flat. Medical insurance does not tend to cover this as scars usually fall into the "cosmetic" category on policies. Topical steroid creams/ointments/tape may help, but do not tend to be as effective for keloids. The use of Mederma on a freshly healed wound may help expedite the healing process and work to improve the ultimate aesthetics of the keloid. Silicone gels and patches have become more available for use in keloid treatment. With the prior side effects claimed to have arisen due to silicone breast implants, I am less inclined to use silicone topically. It is no longer available for injectable use into wrinkles.
Granulomas are one of the most commonly reported problems with an allergic reaction to typically a specific tattoo ink. So you may find that anywhere a red pigment (derived from Mercury, for instance) was applied, there will be a firm, localized swelling of that portion of the tattoo. These may be single granulomas consisting of the entire color area or multiple tiny granulomas within the affected color region. Granulomas are difficult to treat. Usually the use of topical or inject-able steroids will be attempted. If this fails, removal of the tattoo may be required for aesthetic reasons.
Delayed hypersensitivity is a condition in which several years out from the tattoo, suddenly local itching, scaling, and even redness or swelling may arise within a tattoo. This may be dye color specific or generalized within the tattoo. Again, treatment is limited to topical relief with steroid preparations and possibly some anti itching lotions such as Cortaid Advanced Maximum Strength Cream or PrameGel. Use of systemic antihistamines may also be of use. Depending on the severity of the reaction, it may be self-limited or ultimately require removal of the tattoo.
Sun Sensitivity, photo-sensitivity or photo-toxicity basically results from a reaction between the sun and the tattoo dye. Photosensitive reactions mean that this is an allergic reaction, resulting in allergic types of symptoms. In photo-toxic reactions, the blend of sun exposure with the chemical or dye in question results in sunburn of the area. Photosensitive reactions may also result in local swelling, itching, scaling, redness, etc. This is most commonly associated with Yellow (Cadmium) tattoo dye.
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you have found it informative.