| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
• Body piercing
| |
|
| |
|
Tattoos
Does it hurt? Sure it hurts. Everybody has a different level of tolerance for pain, but getting a tattoo still hurts even if it's different from person to person. But the pain isn't terrible, and most people tend to say they aren't bothered by it anymore after the first few initial minutes. Some people say the pain isn't bothersome at all. But the thing to remember is that people wouldn't keep going back for more if the pain was unbearable; and that the pride and satisfaction you get from seeing your new tattoo for the first time makes it all worthwhile. Can't I use something to numb the skin? No. Things like topical numbing ointments take 30 minutes to take effect, and wear off in another 30 minutes. That means that if your tattoo is going to take an hour or more, you can't stop to apply more. Medically this is advised against because when the feeling returns to the area, it is a much greater shock to your body and the discomfort of the tattoo will be much worse. This means that an otherwise slightly painful experience is turned into a much more painful experience. Getting a tattoo means taking a little pain, deal with it! Is it safe? Tattoos are entirely safe if your shop and artist both follow recommended safety precautions. Ask your artist questions about safety to be certain. Are the needles, ink, ointments, and other supplies being used sterilized and properly disposed of afterwards? Does the shop have an autoclave and sterilization certification? Is your artist wearing gloves? Is your artist certified in tattooing and sterilization? If you're concerned about safety, ask! Lake City Tattoo cares about your safety. How much do they cost? The price of a tattoo is never a set amount. Many things go into the price of a tattoo, such as the size and location. To help your artist, be ready with any details you have when you arrive at the shop. Know where you're going to get your tattoo, how big or small you want it to be, and what colors (if any) you want in it. If you're not sure about these things, talk to your artist. If you have a specific price range in mind, tell your artist beforehand so that he or she can give you the best possible tattoo for the price you have in mind. Remember that with tattoos, you get what you pay for. A cheap tattoo is just that, cheap. Someone willing to tattoo you for cheap means they aren't going to dedicate themselves to the work, and your results may not be something you'll be pleased with. What is the age requirement? While every state has different laws regarding age requirement and tattoos, you must be 18 years old and have proof of identification to get a tattoo at Lake City Tattoo. There are no exceptions. What should I get? Where should I get it? Tattoos are personal, as are the choices that go into them. Ultimately the decision is up to you. When you want a tattoo and you aren't sure what to get, spend a little time thinking about what it is you'd like, or what you're interested in. Then visit your tattoo artist and ask for examples or ideas. You artist will be able to show you some things, collaborate with you, and transform ideas into something you're ready to get for a tattoo. They'll also be willing to make recommendations about where a specific tattoo might look good. But when it comes down to it, you're the one who has to decide what to get and where to get it. What about privacy? A common worry (especially among females) is that if you choose to get a tattoo in an area such as your chest, hip, or pubic area, that you may have to remove your shirt or lower your pants more than you're comfortable with. You have a right to privacy no matter what. Your tattoo artist should cover any part of you that may be exposed or visible with a disposable towel during the tattoo process. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, request that your tattoo be done in a private room with only you and your artist. If you would rather have a female or male tattoo artist, specify your preference beforehand. Should I tip my tattoo artist? Tipping your tattoo artist is a gesture that is not required. If you feel that your experience is worth a little something extra, you are more than welcome (but never expected) to tip your artist. A simple statement of how much you love your new tattoo is a wonderful tip by itself. Tattoo artists receive all kinds of tips, like t-shirts and other gifts that people think they might like to have. Gratuity for a tattoo is impossible to measure, so you should do what you think is right based on the service you receive. The kind of tips that every artist appreciates are appreciation and repeat business! How to get the perfect tattoo Remember that the easier you make the experience for your artist, the easier it will be on you. While getting your tattoo, be as perfectly still as possible. It may not be easy, but jumping around or fidgeting only makes the work harder on your artist. Always remember to keep breathing normally, and NEVER hold your breath. Leave plenty of time open in your day for your tattoo, and don't rush your artist. Ask any questions you have before getting your tattoo. Remember that we're here to give you the best experience possible. When not to get a tattoo Tattoos involve a long healing process. If you are sick or on a medication that affects your body's ability to heal properly, affects the flow of blood, or might hinder the healing process in any way, wait to get your tattoo until you are fully recovered. If you are pregnant, it is highly advised that you do not get a tattoo and many artists will not tattoo you out of concern for your safety. If you donate blood or plasma, keep in mind that you will not be able to do so for one year after receiving a tattoo. And if you're considering getting a tattoo of a loved one's name, please take a long consideration beforehand. While a tattoo of a loved or lost family member is noble, a tattoo of your girlfriend or boyfriend's name could be a costly mistake, and you may be back sooner than you think to have it covered up. | |
|
| |
|
Body piercing
How much pain is involved? Yes. Some people are more sensitive to pain than others, so it's impossible to know just how much pain you'll experience. The pain of a body piercing is abrupt; meaning that the pain caused by the piercing lasts about 20 seconds. Can you tolerate 20 seconds of pain? Sometimes the pain lasts for an even smaller amount of time. While it may hurt, the piercing is over so fast that you barely have much time to concentrate on it. If you're unsure whether or not you can take a few seconds of pain, body piercing may not be for you. Is it safe? I heard... Safety should be your piercer's top priority. Any piercing that he or she is willing to perform on you is one that your piercer understands to be safe, and would not perform if they believed otherwise. Your piercer understands that a piercing performed incorrectly can cause damage to the body, and has received proper training to avoid any harmful mistakes. Often you may hear horror stories about damage caused by piercing. There are plenty of myths out there, and we've heard them all. A friend may have told you how a tongue piercing caused someone's tongue to swell and never return to normal or lose feeling, or how the cartilage of someone's ear has collapsed as a result of piercing. We've even heard it told that a tongue piercing caused somebody to be struck by lightning. If the person feeding you these stories is not a licensed, professional body piercer, take their tales with a grain of salt. Ask your piercer to clear up any questions, rumors, or myths you may have heard about piercing. Body piercing is a safe practice when done correctly. How much does it cost? Each piercing carries a different price. Call us for a specific price on the piercing you're considering. What is the age requirement? To receive a body piercing at Lake City Tattoo, you must be at least 16 years of age with proof of identification confirming your date of birth, and you must be accompanied by a parent who also has proof of identification to sign for you. Should I tip my piercer? Getting a piercing is like receiving any other service, like being waited on at a restaurant. If you had a pleasant experience and felt your piercer did a job worthy of a tip, you are more than welcome to do so, but are not required. Your piercer will be entirely satisfied hearing how pleased you are with the experience and your new piercing. Questions about caring for your piercing Follow your piercer's instructions perfectly. The advice they give regarding aftercare is designed to provide optimal healing. Above all, use common sense. Don't touch your piercing or play with it when it is new; avoid contact with it entirely unless you are cleaning it. Clean it regularly as suggested, and don't stop cleaning it just because it seems healed to you. Piercings take a long time to fully heal and even though they may seem healed, they can still become irritated if not properly cared for. If you have any questions about how to care for your piercing or about the care instructions provided, ask your piercer what he or she recommends. When not to get a piercing Piercings involve a long and sometimes up-and-down healing process. A piercing may seem healed but could experience irritation or soreness all over again, only to clear up and seem fine, and continue repeating this way for a long time. Many piercings take over a year to fully heal. If you are sick or on a medication that affects your body's ability to heal properly, affects the flow of blood, or might hinder the healing process in any way, wait to get your piercing until you are fully recovered. If you are pregnant, it is highly advised that you do not get a piercing and many body piercers will not perform one out of concern for your safety. If you donate blood or plasma, keep in mind that you will not be able to do so for one year after receiving a piercing. | |
|
| |
|
Lake City Tattoo frequently asked questions Last updated February 15, 2006 |
