Body Art Info: Tattoos
Procedural Information:
- The area to be tattooed might need to be shaved.
- The area will be cleaned with an antimicrobial.
- A stencil of the design will usually be applied at this time, although the design may be drawn on by hand.
- While the stencil is drying, artist will probably be setting-up necessary inks, sterilized needles and equipment.
- The tattoo is rendered into the skin one color at a time. Larger pieces may be done in more than one sitting.
- Artist may ask to photograph the piece for their portfolio.
- A bandage is applied to the fresh tattoo.
- It is now up to you to take proper care of the tattoo. Please read the Aftercare section on this page for more information.
Factual Information
Regarding your new tattoo:
If the tattoo is taken care of properly during the healing period, complications are fairly rare. There are, however, some potential risks or side effects you should be aware of:
- Some soreness or even bruising around newly tattooed area would not be uncommon.
- Some scabbing is normal during healing period, but any scab can pull color out if it gets soaked or pulled off prematurely.
- Over moisturizing or soaking can also cause color loss.
- Ingrown hairs from the preliminary shaving sometimes occur.
- Pigments used are non-toxic, but there is the rare occurrence of allergic reaction.
- More commonly, there could be an allergic reaction to a preparation used to treat the tattoo afterwards. Antibiotic preparations or moisturizers with fragrances or pigments are often to blame.
A tattoo becomes part of your skin, and will age along with you. This is one of the best arguments against the tattooing of minors. With time, the tiny particles of pigment gradually diffuse into surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream, making the art less bright and defined.
The general health of your skin will affect how your tattoo ages. Exposure to the sun will accelerate the aging and fading of your tattoo. Rapid bulking-up or weight gain could affect the position of the work, and a stretch-mark will completely disrupt the design. These factors vary quite a bit from person to person. We back up our work to within 90 days after initial healing.
Aftercare of your new tattoo:
- Leave bandage on over night.
- Soak bandage off. Wash tattoo gently with cool water and mild soap. Pat dry.
- Sparingly apply lotion a few times daily for two weeks.
- Scabbing or peeling is normal. Let it fall off on its own.
- Best to keep tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing.
- Swimming or soaking could result in color loss.
- Consult a physician at the first sign of infection.
If you have any problems with your tattoo, contact Johnson Tattoo.