There are a few things to mention about getting a tattoo, (or tattoo removal)- not every artist is like me, I want to make your experience the best and the easiest on us both as you endure through your apt. Below are tips and suggestions to make tilt easier.
it is not as simple as it looks! – YOU ARE ESSENTIALLY PREPARING FOR A MARATHON..
Because these are skin treatments or in a sense a minor surgical procedure , to the biggest organ you have. So following this simple bit of advice I’ve adapted over my 16+yrs is to help YOU achieve the best experience and results.
there is much for you to do regarding aftercare, before and after the procedure.
Pain is not just associated with the tattoo needle/ or laser or what I will be doing. But once your body becomes tired (out of the food fuel you provided that day) and being still and in an uncomfortable position, your mind will start to hyper fixate on the cause and why — the tattoo needle or the laser—so its important to fuel up before.. yes this is more geared for tattoo application, but also helpful for my tattoo removal clients just the same.
To be expected there is some discomfort while getting tattooed but many people will agree that during a long session, their butts, back, neck, hips or other parts start to ache more.. so here are my bits of advice to help you endure what’s to come.
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE your apt DO NOT SUNTAN OR VISIT ANY KIND OF TANNING BOOTHS
Do not tan or get too much sun prior to your visit
You want your skin in good condition , not sunburnt. OR heavily suntanned You can not tattoo or use the laser on a sunburn or flaking pealing skin.and heavily tanned skin is difficult to gauge skin tone and how colors appear in the skin – it also is harder to pierce the skin and makes for a more painful experience. Tanned skin becomes hard and thick like leather, the needles need extra force to penetrate through the hard shell/crust of that tanned skin causing additional irritation to the skin, more swelling and more pain.
5 days prior to your apt use a loofa or exfoliating brush please exfoliate the tattoo area gently each shower/bath to remove dead layers of skin and soften the skin texture to help make the tattoo process more gentler- this makes the skin easier to tattoo with less irritation and redness and swelling.
DRINK WATER – the min 8 glasses of water that’s recommended daily to help hydrate you!
2 DAYS BEFORE TATTOOING DO NOT USE ALCHOCOL OR DRUGS
Do not drink alcohol the day before or the day of getting your ink because that will cause excessive bleeding when getting your tattoo. This can increase bleeding and skin irritation during the actual process and cause your tattoo to come out a little on the fuzzy-looking side. It also doesn’t allow ink to be taken in the skin properly and it can result more pain than it actually should!
To help minimize pain and discomfort – the following is key!
THE NIGHT BEFORE TATTOOING GET WELL RESTED- try to go to bed early and get a good nights sleep.
DAY OF YOUR TATTOO:
DO NOT USE ANY KIND OF PAIN RELIEF CREAMS!!
Please do not use any kind of pain-relief creams or lotions —this can cause reactions with restricting the pigment to penetrate properly and affect the overall appearance of the tattoo. I do have products I know and trust and will apply not just for pain relief during your apt but to also help reduce bleeding and swelling to help extend the tattoo session.
1-3 HOURS BEFORE your apt.
EAT PLENTIFUL MEAL
It’s highly recommended that you Do not come on your appointment on an empty stomach! Doing so can lead to cardiac and circulatory complications.
It is important to keep your blood sugar levels up.
Within 3 hours of the procedure, you should eat something, usually because it will strengthen your blood sugar level. In fact, you should also prepare a small bag including a snack and a sweet soft drink to consume during the procedure in order to support your blood sugar level.
EXFOLIATE the tattoo area gently one last time, and dry- then apply
(1-2 hours before) apply a generous amount of lotion – any kind is good and coat the tattoo area and then apply plastic wrap to cover the area prior to arrival- this helps soften the skin, add elasticity and make the tattoo area less sensitive as well as less redness and irritation and bleeding.
You can also take a regular strength does of Tylenol or Advil 1-2 hrs before your arrival. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation and some discomfort from the procedure.
Consider where you are getting your ink/ or removal and WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHES .
Do not come in your best suit or dress. Make sure the clothes you select are loose enough that they won’t rub touch or otherwise chafe your new tattoo- or the treatment area.
If you’re treatment area is somewhere on leg/foot, do not come in a high heels! You don’t want extra pressure on the area.
bicept/ shoulders and collarbones please wear a loose tank top or a shirt allowing full access and more to the area.
The day of your tattoo be sure to shower/wash the area well and apply moisturizer as explained above.
Please DO NOT shave i prefer to do this! – should you cut yourself or get razor burn this will result in a rescheduled appointment.
Since getting a tattoo is a challenge to the immune system, try to follow this pre-care instructions to come in the best shape possible 😉 This way you’re minimizing your sensation and your stress levels.
I will also do everything to make you feel relaxed!
Please note:
Tattooing takes a ton of focus and physical engagement to pull clean lines, and it’s really difficult to do that when a client is constantly moving/ fidgeting – texting or using their phone, crying, screaming and acting out of control throughout the session and the tattoo ends up getting rushed.
If the tattoo seems to get to this point we will take a break for you and me to refocus and prepare for the remainder of the session. If the behaviour continues after that the session will end as I don’t want your behaviour to affect the artwork outcome, another appointment will be booked at a later date when you can prepare adequately and hopefully sit better for the remainder of the tattoo.
Before you arrive be sure….
You have not shaved the tattoo area!
I do prefer to do this- if you have any cuts/razor burn your tattoo will be postponed/cancelled and rescheduled.
Be sure to check the area to be tattooed (and 5-6 inches around the tattoo area)And don’t have any of the following : no cuts No scrapes No scratches
No rash or skin irritation No scabs No bug bitesNo blisters No sun burn or recent sun burn
You have eaten a high calorie-lots of carbs and Not just breakfast
You must eat! No dieting tattoo day! Its cheat day! You can go back to regular diet the next day.
Breakfast doesn’t count! You would be surprised how eating adequately for your tattoo will affect your tattoo process. Your body burns approximately 200 calories per hour during your tattoo. If not fuelled properly you risk going into shock, becoming faint, and the tattoo being much more painful than necessary. So eat minimally 200-300 calories
essentials to bring with you —
Bring food you can easily eat while getting your tattoo! A smorgusboard of things you love to eat (and don’t usually eat— so a special treat) is a great distraction to pull your focus away-
It’s often not the pain of the tattoo so much but your so tired of sitting still- with nothing to distract you so you start to focus on the tattoo itself and get in your head about it and then being uncomfortable and tired and fidgety and then your mind just focuses on every reason why your trapped — snacks- gum- candy -chips- a drink with a straw you can sip from– they are a distraction! Not just fuel to keep your energy up for the duration of your tattoo session- bring headphones with an audio book or I can put it on my radio and we can both listen to some cool murder mystery lol- – I have tv with all the movies and tv shows you need.
Bring things from home that help you be comfortable! You will be sitting very still and uncomfortable for a long time! Pillow, blanket, slippers, security items to help you relax.
have an emergency sugary drink on hand Not Gatorade/water or coffee- juice or pop is recommended!
I URGE and I ask EVERYONE to bring a sugary drink and a snack additionally- why? Because if you do start to fail/crash or go into shock- this is what will be used to help you recover- it may not be needed- but essential that you bring something! Best case scenario- you get a little light headed and feel more pain- but worst case— might require a 911 call! I don’t want to ever call 911!
These are to help you should you start to feel faint or to avoid your body from going
into shock. A tattoo is painful and your body uses a lot of energy just to sit
still and endure pain.
After your tattoo or proceedure you may be tired and drained. You will need food to help recover. Good to have extra so you can snack on these on the ride home as well.
Your not sick or getting over a cold or flu?
I do have a weak immune system/immune compromised and request that you please don’t come if you are sick or not feeling well. Its easier for me to reschedule your 1 appointment than to cancel/reschedule a week or more appointments if i where to get sick.
If i suspect that you are unwell during your appointment (should you exhibit
cold/flu symptoms) i will politely request you wear a mask- likewise, do not
be alarmed if i wears a mask at your appointment as i comes in close
contact with people daily and do not wish to spread possible illness to you
either.
you will be supplied a small aftercare pkg with a sample size of unscented soap, and A&D ointment with instructiins formyour aftercare- please be sure to have your own supply at home incase you run out.
you will need, unscented soap, unscented moisturizer and a fresh supply of paper towels Optionally some unscented wipes and polysporin may be useful to have on hand.
Please review the aftercare instructions for your knowledge before the tattoo apt.