What to look for in a tattoo parlor:
Read this, print it out and take it with you
when checking out a tattoo parlor. You want to be thorough to avoid
infection and butt-ugly tattoos. Few states have hygienic regulations
for tattoo parlors, and those that do don't always monitor or enforce
standards. So before jumping into the tattoo chair, give it a Bodyteen
Parlor Pop Quiz. If it doesn't pass every one of the following guidelines,
cross it off your list and find yourself a parlor worth your skin.
Workmanship: A tattoo
is meant to be permanent. Make sure you see examples of the artist's
work. Don't be afraid to ask the artist about his or her training.
Removing a tattoo is very difficult. It is nearly impossible to
return the skin to its original appearance. Scaring or skin discoloration
may diminish but not for many years. So if you're going to do it.
Do it right! Find an incredible artist. Be willing to invest the
money it takes for a quality job. And pick or create a design you
will enjoy looking at for the next 60 to 70 years.
Autoclave: This is
an instrument, regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration),
that heat sterilizes all non-disposable instruments used during
the tattoo process. Make sure your tattoo parlor has one. Make sure
they use it to sterilize every instrument they don't throw out after
use. And make sure they store the sterilized instruments in sterile
bags.
Sterile disposable needles: Needles should never be used more than once. They should be stored
in sterile packages, used once, and then thrown out immediately
into a biohazard container for sharp objects.
Everything else should be disinfected: All non-disposable equipment that is unable to be sterilized in
an autoclave, should be disinfected with a commercial disinfectant
or bleach solution.
Gloves: A fresh pair
of disposable gloves should be used for each tattoo. This pair of
gloves should touch you and the sterilized equipment only. If the
artist opens a drawer, picks up a phone, picks his nose, or touches
anything that is not sterilized, they will be exposing you to possible
infection.
A clean environment: Check out the floor, counters, bathroom, etc. Case the joint like
a spy. It should look clean and surfaces should look frequently
disinfected.
Complaint free: Call
your city or county health department and ask them if any complaints
have been reported toward the parlor Every tattoo parlor needs a
permit to operate and your city government is usually the authority
that grants this permit.
Caring for your new tattoo:
The skin will take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Until
it heals completely, make sure you keep the tattoo area clean using
soap and water.
Also use a petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized.
How to remove a tattoo
Like we said before, tattoos are intentionally
permanent. It is nearly impossible to return the skin to it's original
appearance. All of the following options are likely to result in
scaring or skin discoloration. - One more reason to do it right
the first time.
Laser surgery: A pulsing highly concentrated beam of light penetrates
the skin and breaks up the tattoo's pigment which then dissolves
into the body.Blue and black dyes are removed most easily while
oranges and yellows will be more difficult to remove.
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