So, you’re thinking about getting tattooed, but have no thought how the whole process works? Since a tattoo is for life, it’s excellent to know what you’re getting into, and the first step is understanding how a tattoo works and what you’re really doing to your body when you choose to get tattooed.

The Tattoo Gun

Tattoos are accomplished by using an electric-powered tattoo gun.  The tattoo gun has a needle at the end of it that is used to place ink inside of your skin deep enough so that it does not come out. When the gun is turned on, the needle moves up and down rapidly (up to 200o times a minute) and is able to deposit a small drop of ink deep into your skin with each puncture.

Tattoo guns have come a long way since the early days of tattooing but are still made a few basic components, those being an electric motor, a sterilized needle, and a tube system. There is also a foot pedal, similar to a sewing machine, that allows the tattoo artist to control the movement of the needle.

Tattoo Safety

Safety has always been a huge concern with getting tattooed, since anytime you are dealing with puncture wounds, you have a risk of infection.
Fortunately, it is much more commonplace these days for tattoo artists to open groundbreaking new, sterile needles from the packaging right in front of you before you get tattooed.

To ensure the safety of both the customer and the tattoo artist, tattooing materials like ink, needles, and gloves are all made for single use only.

Tattoo Preparation

Minutes before your tattoo session starts, your artist will  often  start chatting with you to make you feel relaxed.  The chatter is usually accompanied by the artist washing their hands, checking themselves for cuts and abrasions, and disinfecting the entire work area to start preparation for your tattoo.

When the cleaning of his work area is finished, he will then shave the area of your body that is getting tattooed, disinfect it with soap and water, and open the sterile equipment needed to get the job done.

Getting Tattooed

Once the tattooing starts, you will feel some pain, but how much largely depends on your tolerance and the location of your tattoo on the body, as some areas will obviously be more painful than others.

During the entire tattoo process, the tattoo artist will continue to clean the tattooed area until it is finished.

Tattoo Aftercare

At this point, when you’re tattoo has been completed, the artist will place some ointment on the area and give you a rundown of how to take care of your tattoo so that it heals properly.

Most of the time, you will receive an information sheet so you don’t forget what’s needed to be done. It is extremely vital to follow the instructions you were given for tattoo aftercare. Not only are you lowering the risk of infection, but you will be decreasing the chances of your tattoo not healing properly and losing ink or not looking like it’s supposed to.

Related Blogs

• Tattoo Artist – Do You Know How to Get Started As a Tattoo Artist? | ArtSkirt
• WE GOT TATTOOS…WHERE!?! | Gurupreet's Web Blog
• What You Dont Know About Skull tattoo designs | Travel and leisure
• Inked Out: Physical Graffiti Tattoo, Linden, NJ | The Aquarian Weekly
• Exercises For Like Handles – How to Get Rid of Like Handles Quick and Simple | Simple Online Jobs Review
• Barker Unveils Dj Am Tribute Tattoo
• Rappers Tattoos – Home Video of Nas Getting Tattooed | Rappers – Rap and Hip Hop Artists, Music and Videos @ Rappers.Org
• Tattoo aftercare – Vaseline and A& D Ointment Contradiction? | Break All Day
• Tattoo Aftercare Tips
• How to stop your Year of the Tiger Tattoo fading | Year of The Tiger Tattoos
• Tattoo Aftercare Now In Stock! Also, Ever Wanted To Be A Body Piercer? « Heaven 'n' Hell's Blog
• Caring For Your New Tattoo
• Fantastic Article on Tattoo Aftercare « Painted Provocateur: A Tattoo Blog
• Mining industry launches new safety program « Coal Tattoo
• Tattoo Safety Opinion | AutoRoll – Women’s Interests
• Tattoo Safety – 4 Fantastic Tips! | BlogEsaurus.com
• » Tattoo Safety
• A Huge-Legged Woman Ain’t Got No Soul – Ugliest Tattoos
• Taking extra precautions at Disney with the Safety Tat (plus, 8% off buy) | Mommies With Style

The majority of tattoos heal without any complications at all, but understanding that there are risks involved is vital. Regardless of how safe you may reckon you are, there is always at least a slight element of risk when you’re dealing with needles, puncture wounds, and possible infection.

The number one issue to be concerned about when you’re getting tattooed is your tattoo artist using unsanitary equipment. All of the equipment needs to be sterilized after every use, otherwise there is a high risk for the spread of disease and infection.
In fact, the entire tattoo studio should be clean and disinfected on a regular basis.

So, how do you know if there’s a problem with your tattoo?

If you notice any excessive redness or swelling in and around your tattoo, it’s vital to see your doctor immediately. Do not shrug it off as it can quickly lead to something more serious if it is infected. If you see the doctor during early stages, then it can likely be cured by taking some medicine.

If your tattoo infection is severe, then you may have to have surgery in order to remove the tattoo and prevent further infection and more serious problems. Another downside of a severe infection is that although the tattoo removal is usually a safe procedure, surgery always comes with risk as well.

What other risks are there when getting a tattoo?

Aside from the health risks, another huge concern for most people getting a tattoo is the outcome of the appearance. Let’s face it, everyone has seen an example or two of a botched tattoo and it’s not something you want on your body.

Remember that your tattoo is for life and don’t reckon that removal is your back up plot because it can also be risky, expensive and you will often still end up with a scar in the same area anyway.

So how do you avoid getting a terrible tattoo?

Like every other choice you make in life, reckon it through. Question yourself why you are getting the tattoo and if it’s something you will still want on your body in years to come.

Visit several tattoo parlors before deciding on an artist, and question lots of questions. Be absolutely sure that you are 100% sure you want the tattoo and that you have chosen a professional artist with a stellar reputation and a spotless tattoo studio.