Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Does it hurt to get a tattoo or piercing?

Depending on where you place your tattoo will greatly influence the level of discomfort that you experience. Of course, if a stubbed toe puts you in bed for a week, tattooing might be a painful experience.

How much do tattoos cost?

Tattoo prices run a minimum of $50, and go up from there. Included with the cost of a new tattoo is the guarantee of fresh needles, a sober, clean artist, and the best work available in the industry.

Can I get a tattoo if I am a diabetic?

Consulting with your doctor is always a good idea, however if your tattoo is not placed in an extremity, you'll have better healing results.

Can I get a tattoo piercing while drunk or under the influence?

No. When under the influence of alcohol or drugs it will be harder to concentrate, leading to a more uncomfortable experience. And possibly a higher amount of blood loss, leading to nausea.

How long does it take to heal?

A tattoos healing will vary from person to person depending on how well you normally heal and how well you care for your new tattoo. Generally you can expect a healing time of 7 - 14 days.

Can I get into the water after receiving a tattoo or piercing?

Salt water i.e. the Gulf of Mexico, isn't so bad for a new tattoo or piercing. Heavily chlorinated water, such as pools and hot tubs, carry high bacterial rates and need to be avoided at all costs. Keep in mind you should never soak a new tattoo or piercing.

Can I get into the sun after a tattoo?

No. Your new tattoo or piercing may not heal well with high levels of sunlight. The skin has been abraded and should be kept clean, out of the sun, and covered with loose clothing to allow for high levels of oxygen exchange.

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Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ

How does laser tattoo removal work?

A beam of laser light shatters particles of ink pigment into small pieces. Over a period of six weeks after treatment, the white blood cells carry away these particles. The treatment does not cut or burn. The effect you get after each treatment is that more and more of the tattoo fades away until finally it is gone completely.

Does laser tattoo removal scar?

The final results are excellent as can be seen in the photographs. However, the skin may not be instantly perfect because it has been traumatized by the treatment. A faint shadow may result until the melanin in the skin returns to normal.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Most patients say it is like having a tattoo put on. Others say it is similar to having a rubber band snapped at the skin. Any discomfort stops as soon as the laser does.

How long does each laser tattoo removal treatment take?

It depends upon the size and number of tattoos, but an average tattoo will take approximately 10 minutes to treat at each session.

How many treatments does it take to remove the tattoo?

It depends on each tattoo and each individual. Amateur tattoos take an average of four treatments and professional tattoos take about eight, leaving six weeks in between each treatment to allow time for the white blood cells to dispose of the broken down particles.

What are the alternatives to laser tattoo removal?

Skin Grafting - expensive, painful, donor area required, obvious scars.
Plastic Surgery - expensive, painful, high degree of scarring and stretch marks.
Co2 Laser - expensive, painful, high degree of scarring.
Dermabrasion - expensive, painful, high degree of scarring.

How much does laser tattoo removal cost?

The treatment certainly costs less than any other forms of removal. Let our consultants see your tattoo, then we can tell you exactly how much each treatment will cost.

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Piercing After Care Instructions

Care Guide for Tongue Piercing:

1. After every meal rinse your mouth thoroughly with Listerine cut 50% with water.
2. For the next 10 days you should stay away from any spicy foods or milk products.
3. Place some ice on the tongue for the next couple of hours after the piercing has been placed.
4. You shouldn't have any unprotected oral sex for at least 4 weeks and there shouldn't be any tongue kissing for at least 3 weeks.
5. After about 10 days you can have a shorter barbell fitted when swelling has gone down.

Care Guide for Piercing:

1. The piercing should be cleaned 2-3 times daily for the next 2-4 months with saline solution wipes or antibacterial soap.
2. Wash hands before commencing the cleaning routine.
3. Soap your hands, hold the bar still and lather the entire area with soap or saline solution wipes. Do not allow the bar to turn in the piercing channel before removing the scab. Let the scab soften and then remove any scab away from the piercing holes and thoroughly cleanse the outer part of the bar.
4. Lather the bar again with soap or the wipes and then rinse it off with warm water.
5. For the next 2 weeks you are not allowed to go in any pools, Jacuzzis, tanning beds or any public spas.

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Tattoo After Care Instructions

Care and healing of your new tattoo:

1. Remove the bandage after an hour, wash the tattoo with hot water, a mild soap, and your fingertips. Press dry with a towel and allow tattoo to dry for about an hour.
2. Apply light coats of fragrance-free hand lotion about every hour to hour and a half. We strongly recommend Lubriderm, Curel, and Stephens.
3. Do not scratch or pick at any scabbing of your tattoo. Do not soak it in any water. Keep it out of the sun for at least three weeks.
4. If you'll wash your tattoo three times a day and lotion every hour or so, your healing time may be in 10 days or less. If you have any problems or questions, do not hesitate to stop in or call.

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