A tattoo is a design or marking made by the insertion of a pigment into punctures or cuts in the skin. In technical terms, tattooing is micro-pigment implantation. Tattoos are a type of body modification.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerancy to pain. Some have compared it to a 'hot scratching feeling'. But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there.

If you have a fear of needles or blood, we will make every effort to accomodate your fear. The tattoo needles do not enter the skin very far as many fear - actually, it only goes in about 1/16 of an inch. Take a look at a ruler and you'll see just how insignificant that is. Another thing you can do is get your tattoo somewhere on your body where you will not be able to watch the work going on. This helps some to overcome the apprehension, by not actually seeing the needle. The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don't bleed at all - or very little. The tattoo artist will also be constantly wiping up your skin to clean off any traces of blood, so it's done in a very clean and professional manner. Excessive bleeding usually only results when the patron has been drinking alcohol or taking some kind of blood thinner (like aspirin).

The primary complications that can result from tattooing include:

Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases such as hepatitis. All tattooing equipment should be clean and sterilized before use. Even if the needles are sterilized or never have been used, it is important to understand that in some cases the equipment that holds the needles cannot be sterilized reliably due to its design. In addition, the person who receives a tattoo must be sure to care for the tattooed area properly during the first week or so after the pigments are injected.

Allergic reactions. Although allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.

Granulomas and keloids. Granulomas are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Although keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin, keloids tend to occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.

Our shop adheres to strict conditions of sterility. We utilize hospital standards including the use of biohazard containers for blood-stained objects, sharps containers for old needles, and an autoclave for sterilizing tools. Moreover, each artist will open new, sterile needle packages in front of each client, and always use new, sterile or sterile disposable instruments and supplies, and fresh ink for each session loaded into disposable containers which are discarded after each client.

New tattoos are wounds which must be looked after properly. Immediately after completing the tattoo,we will cover the area to keep out dirt and keep the tattoo from oozing into clothes. We recommend leaving the covering on for several hours or overnight. After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your clean hand is your best tool in this case. Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of ointment. Bacitracin would be the first choice in ointments, but if you don't have any, A&D vitamin enriched ointment. Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Continue this procedure at least twice a day for two or three days. After that, continue to keep it clean, but use lotion when needed instead of ointment, to keep the skin soft. After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing.This is a normal process and no need to panic. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it! Picking and scratching the tattoo will ruin it and will void any guarantee on your tattoo.

After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email us. One of our professional artists will be glad to assist you.

What is a Tattoo?

What If I am afraid of needles?

What are the primary side effects of getting a tattoo?

What techniques are utilized to ensure my safety from infection?