Frequently Asked Questions
Permanent and Temporary Tattoos FAQ’s
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When it comes to tattoing you get what you pay for. Do not expect a good artist to come cheap, and if that’s the way you go, you could end up spending a great deal more further down the line, when you have to pay for a huge cover-up or laser tattoo removal. Save your money until you can afford what you really want. Don’t settle, just because you are impatient to get some ink, this decisions will be with you for a long time. Most of the laser removal we do here at REBEL INKS TATTOO, is for just that reason, impulse tattoos.
At REBEL INKS TATTOO we are happy to do a payment plan with you where you can pay for the tattoo you really want gradually.
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This is a less frequently asked question than you might expect. You can use numbing cream, but very few tattoo studios will recommend it for several reasons. Firstlt, it needs to be applied several hours before you sit for your tattoo and can only last for around thirty to forty-five minutes. Tattoing being an art-form and therefore not an exact science, means that sometimesthere could be a period of waiting past your appointment time, while the tattooist finishes off a piece of work that took longer than expected. This makes it very difficult to time the application of the cream. Secondly, even if you manage to time its application correctly, the potential short working period of the cream makes it very limiting to anything but the simplest and smallest of tattoos. Lastly, if your tattoo is not finished before the cream wears off, then the pain will come back with a vengeance. Your body has been fooled and will not be producing those handy pain-killing endorphins so will be hit with the force of the returning pain with no protection.
From the tattooist’s perspective, the cream can cause the skin to become little puffy in some customers. This means that the tattooist needs to work harder to get the ink into the skin, which can cause additional trauma. This will obviously have some repercussions during the healing process and can create an undesirable amount of scrabbing during that time.
Some tablet pain killers can also cause a problem. Asprin is the biggest problem as it thins the blood and reduces clotting, this will cause excessive bleeding during your tattoo, which will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Aspirin will also extend the healing time that your tattoo needs so it is best avoided. Paracetamol will have little effect (positive or negative), other than a placebo, ibuprofen based painkillers can give minor pain relief during the process, by reducing localised swelling, and will not hinder the tattoo in any way.
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There are several things you can do to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
Firstly, try and make sure you have had something to eat and drink about an hour before your tattoo. During the tattoo, your body behaves in a way very similar to going to shock, as it generates endorphines to deal with attack on the skin. This can cause a drop in blood sugar resulting in light- headedness, and sometimes nausea or fainting. Having a meal and consuming natural sugars, such as orange juice can help to prevent this. If you feel faint during your tattoo, let your artist know immediately, and they will help you through it. Don’t be ashamed of telling them, if you have chosen your studio wisely, they will be totally sympathetic to your needs and help you through the experience with dignity. Often a tattoo studio will offer you hard boiled sweets or a lolly to help keep your sugar up during the tattoo.
Don’t wear Sunday best. While tattoo ink will generally not stain clothes, and your artist will do everything they can to keep your clothing clean, there is always the possibility of getting ink on your clothes so dark clothing is favorable. Tattoo ink is very concentrated, and will go a very long way, so it’s always best to bear this in mind when choosing the day’s wardrobe. If you do need to remove tattoo ink from your clothing, you will need to do so on a very hot wash.
Thirdly, shave the area if possible. If you know where you are having your tattoo, shave the area (and surrounding area), the morning prior to getting inked. Even if you don’t think it needs doing, shave it anyway, as even the smallest, downiest hairs can have a detrimental effect on the tattoo process, but don’t worry, your tattoo artist will shave you if you haven’t. This will save time applying the stencil and mean that more of the time you are paying for is going towards your tattoo rather than preparing the area. It is a small thing, but your tattoo artist will really appreciate that you have taken the time to consider this. However, at REBEL INKS TATTOO this is not a huge concern as we do not feel there should be any financial pressure on the customer during preparation, so will only charge for time you are actually being tattooed.
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They can, completely and without scaring. There are are several options available to you if you have ink that you want rid of. The first, and by far most common way is cover-up. This involves working with your tattoo artist to come up with a design that will go over and cover-up the old one. There are a few misconceptions regarding cover-ups, it is not as easy as just doing another tattoo over the top. The new tattoo will sit in the same layer of skin (the dermis), as the old one, so the cover-up needs to be darker than the existing tattoo in order to overpower it. This makes very old or faded tattoos easier to cover than new bright ones. The black panther was a big cover-up favourite with the ‘Old School’ tattooist, for obvious reasons. This also means that the new tattoo generally has to be a great deal bigger than the one to be covered up, so that the old design can be lost in the new one. Obviously this very much depends on the tattoo to be covered and the skills of your artist.
The second option available to you is laser removal. This can be very effective, again depending on age and colour of the tattoo, but can also be very consuming. Have a look at the Laser Removal Frequently Asked Questions (Laser FAQs), on our website if you are interested in more information on removal.
The third option available is a combination of both the above. The laser removal can be used to reduce the density of the offending tattoo, so that a more desirable (and often smaller), tattoo can be used to cover up the old design. This takes much less laser treatment than removal, and gives much better cover-up results on the new tattoo.
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Yes you can, but it is very unlikely if you have followed the advice above and chosen your tattoo studio wisely, then the chances of catching anything are similar to a visit to the dentist. Everything will be either sterilised to medical standards or be disposable single use. Again, a reputable tattooist will be certified in infection control and have no issues discussing their procedures with you. If they do, don’t think twice just walk away.
If correct infection control procedures are not followed, their is potential of transmitting blood-borne pathogens from one customer to the next, or from the tattooist to the customer. This could potentially include HIV or Hepatitis. However, before you become unduly worried the vast majority of tattooist work safely, and chances of you contracting anything like this from having your tattoo are extremely slight. Again, if you choose your studio wisely, this won’t even be a consideration.
The other thing you might hear peaople say is.
‘I got my tattoo/ piercing from ‘Joe Blogs Tattoo’, and it got infected, I must have got the infection from there!‘
This is absolute rubbish! Apart from blood-borne infection (viral), as mentioned above, you won’t catch an infection like they are discussing from a studio, as what they are talking about is an infection caused by bacteria. You don’t catch bacteria, it builds up over time. That only means one thing, poor aftercare.
That applies for tattooing, piercing and laser removal, the only way bacteria will infect you is if you’re not keeping the wound (yes it is a wound) clean. For further information on how to look after your new tattoo, piercing, or laser treatment, checkout the relevant sections on our website.
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Visit studios, talk to the tattoo artist, get a general feel of them. Getting a tattoo is a very personal experience, you should have a rapport with your tattooist, and feel comfortable in their studio. How is the customer service? Many tattooist will treat customers with contempt, as if it’s a burden to them to work with you, especially if your first tattoo, just walk away, there are plenty of tattooist who will treat you with respect. If you get an unhelpful response, or are told to pick something from the Flash, when you ask for help, again maybe the best cause of action is to find another studio.
Is the studio clean and well presented? If a tattoo artist can’t keep their house in order, what other corners might they be cutting? You could potentially be putting yopur own health and wellbeing at risk. Ask yourself if this was a dental surgery and not a tattoo studio, would I let them touch my teeth?Potentially there are a great deal of similarities between the two regarding the possibility of cross contamination of instruments and equipment, and the transmitting of blood-borne pathogens. The regulations in the tattooing industry are minimal at best so it is ver much up to the individual studio to police themselves past the very basic health and safety requirements. Because of this the cleanliness of the studio, will very much reflect the attitude towards their customer and their customers’ well-being.
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No! This is not advisable for several very real reasons, other than the obvious difficulties of tattooing a drunk person, and the fact that any good tattooist will refuse to tattoo you if you have. The main reason is that alcohol thins your blood considerably. In turn, this causes excessive bleeding while you are having the tattoo, which not only makes it difficult for the tattoo artist, but will have the effect of washing out ink as it is being put in. This makes the process much longer, and can produce poor results.
Alcohol can have an effect for several days, so it is also not a good idea to have a tattoo after a night drinking, even if you have not consumed anything on the day
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It depends on where it comes from. There are many inks on the market today that are readily available. High quality tattoo ink, ink has been tried and tested over generations without ill effect. Nowadays, the manufacture of inks is regulated to meet certain health and safety standards, but only in some countries (EU and USA), sale of tattoo inks on eBay, has unfortunately opened the maeket up to cheap inks, and counterfeit copies of well known and respected brands. These inks can be dangerous. With this in mind, it is no longer good enough that your tattoo artist uses trusted brands, they must also source their inks directly from the manufacturer, or manufacturer’s approved outlet, to ensure the integrity of their product.
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This is one of the most asked questions in our Frequently Asked Questions simply because it is surprisingly just that. The simple answer is, yes it does. However, not as much as some people might like you to believe, since after a short period of time your body’s natural pain killers (endorphines), kick in and make things much more manageable. How long these endorphines last usually defines your natural ‘limit’ as to how long a tattoo session you can handle (usually between 2-3 hours), after the time you will tend to become very uncomfortable.
The pain of a tattoo is often likened to a mild burning sensation or a cat scratch. However, the real factor as to how much a tattoo hurts is really down to where you intend to getit. Any areadirectly over bone will be particularly sensitive, this includes ribs, feet, hands, head, and pelvis to name a few. Add to this number of nerve endings in an area and this defines the most painful places. If you are looking for a less painful spot, then you should consider a less sensitive area protected by a large muscle, such as the fore-arm, upper-arm, shoulder calf and thigh. That being said, everyone’s pain threshold varies, so there are no hard and fast answers to this question.
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Tattooing is not a quick process, nor should it be rushed as you will be living with results permanently. An averagely complex piece of work about the size of the bacik of your hand, usually takes about two hours to complete. Larger or more complex pieces can take tens of hours, and will require several settings to complete. Usually appointments are made in multiples of hours, but some smaller pieces may only require a thirty minute appointment. A full sleeve (done by a decent artist) could take anything from ten to fifty hours work to complete depending on the complexity.
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Traditionally, you would have chosen your tattoo design from the designs on the wall of your tattoo studio, or from their stock books of predrawn designs. These designs are reffered to as ‘Flash Art.’ This work was rarely designed by the tattooist, but instead bought in from ‘Flash Art’ suppliers. Thankfully today things are different. While there are still tattooist who rely heavily on Flash (often because they have limited artistic ability of their own), there is an increasing number of tattooist who will design custom work to your specifications. This obviously requires a higher degree of artistic skill, so you should expect to pay slightly more for bespoke work than for flush, but you will be guaranteed an original piece… not the same tattoo that five other people are walking round town with.
In addition to this, your artist will be able to work with you to generate a tattoo that is personal, has more meaning and is less likely to go out of favour with you in a few years. This all adds up to better value in the long run.
At Rebel Inks Tattoo, we don’t carry ‘Flash’ art. All our tattoos are generated bespoke for the customer to ensure you only get the best in custom designs, unique to you. Because of this, we suggest that you begin with an initial free-consultation with your artist to discuss your design. If you can bring your tattoo artistany reference material that you think is relevant, it will help both of you understand each other much easier. You don’t have to have exact images, even if your examples simply have the same ‘feel’ as what you are trying to convey, it will help your tattoo artist understand your needs. Your tattoo artist should also give you lots of good advice regarding the limitations of the art (don’t forget we are talking needles, ink, and skin here, not pen and paper). They should advice you as to placement, and how the tattoo is likely to be viewed, for example, a small piece that would work well on the wrist, might not work well placed on the thigh. They should also discuss how well your tattoo will stand the test of time. You can generate some amazingly complex and delicate tattoos, but tattoo link spreads and thins under the skin over time, so your dainty tattoo might look great on the day, but may look fuzzy and unrecorgnizable after just a couple of years. A slightly bolder design could look great for ten years or more. The choice is always the customer’s, but it should always be an informed choice.
Once you have had the initiial conversation with your tattoo artist, you will usually then want to book in some time at the studio. Your tattoo artist will usually have a good idea at this point as to how long your tattoo is going to take, and will advice you on cost. Booking your appointment usually reqiures a deposit (unless your tattoo comes in under a certain stipulated price), which is to discourage time wasters and to offset against the artwork the artist will produce for you should you not turn up. When you do turn up, howver, your design work will be free and your deposit will be then offest against the price of your tattoo. A few days before your appointment, we usually email your design to you (unless other arrangements have been made), so that you can approve the design or make any changes that need to be made to the design. We are not precious over designs, we understand that it is your tattoo, so don’t worry about offending our artist if you don’t like your design, it will be redrawn as many times as needed to make sure it is perfect for you.
Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ’s
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When you have a tattoo the particles of ink are too large for the body to destroy, so instead it encapsulates the particles of ink with a network of collegen fibres as the skin heals, and there the tattoo remains.
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The laser emits a pulse of light that is preferentially absorbed into certain clolours of ink. The light enters the skin at a speed that is too fast to heal the tissues (billions of seconds), instead, it produces a ‘shock-wave’ effect and breaks up the ink particles into smaller pieces, the body then recorgnises these particles as something that shouldn’t be there and attacks it. The particles are then removed naturally via the body’s own elimination system.
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Your skin around the tattoo will most likely be red with some localised swelling and feel like it has mild sunburn. This typically goes away after a couple of hours. There may also be some bruising. At times with certain inks, there may be mild blistering that usually heals in about a week. After each treatment you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your treated area.
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Older tattoos are usually easier to treat; new tattoos contain more pigment (ink) and often multiple colours. Amateur tattoos are easier to remove as usually they are not as deep as professional tattoos and the ink is more sparsely applied. The deeper the pigment the more difficult the tattoo is to remove. We will not begin to remove your tattoo until it is fully healed, at least 8 weeks from being tattooed.
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The light will only see the colour ink it is atrracted to as different wavelengths absorb into different things. It is not possible to produce a laser that can see all colours as some wavelengths are too shallow when absorbed to affect the ink, others can absorb into other matter and damage the skin in the process. Another reason is that all ink pigments contain certain levels of heavy metals. Some pigments may have a higher concentration of some of these than others, and these heavy metals can react with the laser light and carbonise in the skin, turning the ink black. It is very difficult to remove the ink when this has happened so, if you have other colours you would like treating, the laser operator will perform a test patch for you to see if it is possible before processing.
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At the beginning of the treatment we hold a full consultation and a patch test is carried out before any treatment takes place. We also require your medical history this mayinclude GP information, and will also ask you about your skin type. You will be required to complete a consent from giving us permission to start to remove or fade your tattoo and that you are aware of the risk involved. At the beginning of each appointment it is important that you tell us about your healing and if you have any concerns.
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Whilst we hope that once you have committed to having your tattoo removed you will continue until you are satisfied; however each session is paid for on the day.
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During the treatment you will be required to wear eye protection throughout the duration of the procedure. We also respectfully ask that jewellery and watches are removed, wedding bands maybe covered by tape/ plaster, as reflective items are not permitted whilst the laser is operating. We would prefer you to wear pale/ white clothing when you come for your treatment.
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Due to some medical conditions not everyone can have Laser Removal; we advise anyone wishing to undergo Laser Removal Treatment to consult with their GP. Many prescription drugs and herbal remedies can cause increased photosensitivity, meaning that the skin becomes more sensitive to light.
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We recommend leaving at least 8 weeks from your last treatment before having a new tattoo. In the case of cover ups it is not always necessary to have your old tattoo completely removed, please speak to our tattooist if you require further information.
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When you come for your consultation, we will measure your tattoo, carry out skin assessment, and let you know how much each treatment will cost. A furtherconsultation will be carried out at the start of each treatment session to determine progress made. Initial consultation and patch tests are free. A non-refundable booking is required for laser appointment, which comes off the price on the day.
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Laser tattoo removal is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risks involved. The primary concern is the safety of the fetus. Although there is limited research on the specific effects of laser tattoo removal on pregnant women, it is advisable to err on the side of caution.
During laser tattoo removal, high-intensity laser beams are used to break down the tattoo pigments, which can generate heat and cause discomfort. The safety of the procedure and the specific lasers used have not been extensively studied in pregnant women, so it is difficult to determine the exact risks involved.
Additionally, some of the tattoo removal procedures may involve the use of topical creams or numbing agents that may contain chemicals. These substances may have the potential to be absorbed through the skin and potentially affect the developing baby.
If you are pregnant and considering tattoo removal, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or obstetrician, who can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation. They will be able to assess the potential risks and benefits and guide you in making an informed decision about tattoo removal during pregnancy.
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While there is limited research on the effects of laser tattoo removal during breastfeeding, the general consensus is that it is likely safe to undergo the procedure. The lasers used for tattoo removal primarily target the pigments in the skin and do not typically penetrate deeply enough to have a significant impact on breast milk or the nursing infant.
However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or healthcare provider experienced in laser treatments. They can provide personalized advice based on factors such as the type of laser being used, the size and location of the tattoo, and your overall health.
It’s worth noting that some precautions may be advised during the procedure to minimize any potential risks. For example, wearing protective eyewear is usually recommended to shield your eyes from the laser light. Additionally, if any numbing creams or other topical medications are used during the procedure, it’s important to ensure that they are safe to use while breastfeeding.
Overall, consulting with a healthcare professional will help you make an informed decision about laser tattoo removal while breastfeeding and provide guidance on any necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
Body Piercings FAQ’s
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Titanium (our preferred jewellery all purchased in the UK) and high-grade surgical stainless Steel, which is virtually nickel free, will give you the best chances of an infection and reaction-free piercing. Jewellery used by professional piercers is specially designed to allow removal of dirt and bacteria effectively during the healing process. Allowing for full movement of the jewellery makes it much easier for you to clean your piercing properly. The metals that are used in this jewellery are also better for your skin and less likely to cause a reaction. Thre will be plenty of time to change your jewellery to reflect your personal style later.
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Ideally you should wait at least three times as long as the advised healing period before attempting any stretch. This allows the new skin some time to thicken and toughen up before it gets traumatized by the enlarging process. If you do decide to start to stretch your piercing keep the the area clean, you may find that your stretch will smell this is due to build-up of dead skin cells and bacteria.
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Using a needle for the piercing process itself is much safer and less painful than having a blunt stud forced through your skin. A piercing needle is not only hollow but it is also extremely sharp. It slices through the skin, safely pushing the tissue aside to make room for the jewellery to be inserted. Whilst this may not sound too appealing, it is actually very quick process and the method is virtually painless for most body parts. Piercings that have been done by a needle will heal quicker than those done by a gun. The only piercing that should be done by a gun is the lobes. However ask your piercer how they clean the piercing gun.
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The piercing gun supposedly hurts less as it is quicker, however, in our opinion a needle is still the better choice for majority of piercings. Body piercing done with a needle and by a real professional is quick clean and very safe.
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If you have a rush, burn, broken skin, or sunburn in the area that will be pierced, you must wait until the skin has healed before you can receive the piercing, it is possible to pierce through scar tissue (to re-pierce an area where you need to have a piercing, for example) but the scar must be completely healed. If you remove a piercing and wish to re-pierce the area, in most cases you should wait one to two months after removing the jewellery for the old piercing to fully heal.
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This can be caused if you are using mouth wash too frequently and/ or it contains alcohol. As it can destroy the layer of healthy bacteria on the top of your tongue, if this is the case reduce the amount of times you wash your mouth.
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Of course it does, but the real question is how much? Often thinking about or waiting to have your piercing will increase your anxiety and fear about the process. The piercing itself is brief, but pain is relative to each person. Talking through any fears or concerns that you may have with your piercer will help.
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If you are under 16 years old you need to have consent from your parent or guardian. If we happen to decline piercing younger children’s ears respect your piercer’s views and try to avoid emotional blackmail. A good professional piercer will want to know that the child understands what it means to have a piercing, along with the parent or guardian taking responsibility for the aftercare of the piercing. There is some debate regarding the age of genital piercing, our understanding is that it is an offence if you are under the age of 18. If you are over 16 years and are lucky enough look under the age of 25 years be prepared to be asked to provide ID. Here at Rebel Inks Tattoo, we offer a child friendly environment, as an alternative to overpriced high street chains.
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Having your piercing done on an empthy stomach is never a good idea. Eat a good meal before getting pierced to keep your blood sugar steady. If you have not eaten all day your blood sugar will be low, and low blood sugar could cause you to feel dizzy or, in some cases, to faint. Don’t have a drink to steady your nerves. You should also be asked to complete a consent form, this form should also provide you with information regarding side effects of having a piercing.
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You should never feel rushed after you have had a piercing. Some people can feel shaky or their new piercing could feel slightly strange and new so take the time that you need to feelcomfortable to move. Tell your piercer if you feel unwell or faint, don’t be embarrassed you won’t be the first. Some new piercing can take a couple of days to settle and look like they belong, especially if there has been some swelling be patient. A good studio will provide you with written aftercare information and should have an aftercare solution available for you to purchase.
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The process of choosing the right piercing studio is a vital one. People spend time seeking out their preferred tattooist, but the majority of people will get a piercing spur of the moment. Take the time to meet your piercer, ask to look around the studio and ensure that you are given enough time to ask any question that you amy have. Getting to know your piercer will improve the experience. The studio that youchoose should also be registered with the local authority, if the certificate is not on display, ask to see it and a copy of the authorities by-laws, legally htese have to be at the studio. The studio should also have a fully operational ultra-sonic cleaner and autoclave. You should feel comfortable in the environment, you shouldn’t be rushed and should be given time to ask all the questions that you need to. If you are not happy with what you see or hear, leave and find another studio. Sometimes spending a little longer looking around or spanding a bit more will provide you with not only the service you deserve but also the piercing experience you want.
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Yes, potentially you can, especially if your piercer does not follow even the basic infection control principles, but this is very rare. If a piercing becomes infected it is usually due to the person not following the aftercare guidelines that they have been given. Blame is then automatically and mostly unfairly placed on the piercer or studio. When asked, your piercer should be able to fully explain to you about infection control, blood borne pathogens, and how to properly steralise the instruments. Ideally studios should be able to provide you with autoclave readings that correspond to packaged sterilised jewellery and studio cleaning schedule. The clamps and forceps used do not need to be packaged for sterilisation as they do not normally come into contact with bodily fluid, they should be ultrasonically cleaned prior to being sterilised in an autoclave. It goes without saying that the needle is for single use only, and should be un-wrapped in front of you. Jewellery should also be sterilised with packaging again opened in front of you. Work stations should be fully disinfected before and after every piercing procedure, your piercer should wear disposable gloves throughout the procedure, and disposing of needles in a clearly marked sharps container.
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There are various options available, some people will choose to take ibuprofen prior to the piercing especially for oral piercings as it is also anti-inflammatory. Your piercer may offer you a freeze spray which can ease any immediate pain. Try to avoid numbing sprays where possible, but if you choose to use one during your piercing you should be given the products details as you could be allergic to some of the ingredients. Contra-indicators for products are available on the internet and it is worth looking them up prior to using a product. Do not take aspirin as this will thin your blood and could pose problems should you bleed.
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Sometimes yes, a new piercing will bleed. A small amount of bleeding the first day or two is not uncommon especially when you are cleaning your piercing. Sometimes even the most experienced piercer can catch a vein which cannot be seen, you may have to have the piercing removed immediately to stop the bleeding so that the area can heal. However, this is a very rare occurrence. Sometimes there can be bruising in the tissue aroundthe piercing site which causes discoloration to the skin, but this isn’t usually anything to worry about.
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Treat your new piercing like you would a wound. For the first couple of days avoid anything that you think is likely to irritate your piercing. Treat your fresh piercing as gently as possible. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before touching your healing piercing. See our aftercare section for more information.
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Healing times can vary from person to person. The first part of the healing period is when your body creates a layer of skin between you and the first piece of jewellery used, the full healing period is when your new piercing is completely healed. Ask your piercer about the healing times for your particular piercing. Changing your jewellery before your piercing has completely healed remember that you could re-open the piercing wound. This will slow your healing process and will require thorough aftercare to prevent any possible infection. When you change your jewellery you are you are likely to irritate your new piercing, no matter how careful you are. If you are still keen on chenging your jewellery we advise that you wait until your piercing is no longer tender to touch (with clean hands) or sleep on.
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Healing times can vary from person to person. The first part of the healing period is when your body creates a layer of skin between you and the first piece of jewellery used, the full healing period is when your new piercing is completely healed. Ask your piercer about the healing times for your particular piercing. Changing your jewellery before your piercing has completely healed remember that you could re-open the piercing wound. This will slow your healing process and will require thorough aftercare to prevent any possible infection. When you change your jewellery you are you are likely to irritate your new piercing, no matter how careful you are. If you are still keen on chenging your jewellery we advise that you wait until your piercing is no longer tender to touch (with clean hands) or sleep on.