Things to Know About Tattoos
So, what happens after you have decided on a studio, artist, and design?
First, the tattoo artist will wash his hands with anti-bacterial soap and water and check himself for abrasions and cuts. Next, they will clean and disinfect the work surface. Often when doing this, they will explain what they are doing and detail the sterilization process. Once the work surface is cleaned, the artist will remove their equipment from sterile boxes. Any items that are not single-use should have been fully sterilized using an autoclave, a surgical sterilizing appliance that uses superheated steam and is the only way to fully eliminate bacteria and virii. He will then shave the body area for the tattoo and disinfect it. At all times, when coming in to contact with patrons, the artist should mandatorily wear latex gloves. If you have a known allergic reaction to latex, the artist should be informed ahead of time.
Once he begins working, you can expect to feel some pain. Some people describe the sensation as similar to being pinched hard while others describe it as a persistent poking with a needle or sharp object. Your experience of the pain will depend on the location and size of the tattoo, the experience of the tattoo artist and your own overall pain tolerance. Areas with higher density of nerve endings, such as lips, fingers and hands, will generate more pain. Although the temptation may be strong, you should never consume alcohol in an attempt to alleviate the pain since it reduces the body's ability to deal with physical stress and it thins the blood which will cause greater bleeding during the tattooing process.
Throughout the tattooing process, the artist will continue to clean the tattoo, often by spraying with antiseptic solution, to prevent infection. When finished, the tattoo artist will apply ointment and cover the tattoo. He should also give you care instructions. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully when you get home in order to minimize the risk of potential infections. Be aware that the tattoo area will be sore for several days.