tattoo??

**j407** · 24-Mar-06, 12:00 AM

i didt know where to post this but here goes, im thinkin about getting a tattoo soon and i was looking for some advice about what to expect like how long does the bandaid stay on and what kinda of care does it need right after its done? also does it stay red for awhile or does it heal pretty quick? stupid ?s i know but any replys whould be great, thanx

**Jaster** · 24-Mar-06, 09:20 AM

I have 4 big tats.

They cover it for a few hours then let it breath. Most places use a clear cover so you can show off to your friends. You need to get some A&D but most places will give ya a few small packets of it. They will also give you instructions on care for the first 2 weeks. They heal up in 2 to 3 weeks and you have to keep them out of the direct sun and water for that time. To wash pat it with light soapy water and dry right away then put a light coating of A&D. each place has it's own little way of care ask the artisit.
And no it's not stupid to ask.
Search on the net I know the one place I got 2 of mine at use to have a page for "care" on the web.

**cursor** · 24-Mar-06, 09:47 AM

Tattoo After Care Instructions

Tattoo aftercare is vital to the longevity of your tattoo! How your tattoo looks three months or three years from now depends upon how you treat it right away. Follow these steps to promote a healthy tattoo.

Remove the bandage after 4 to 12 hours. (Depending upon the size and location of the tattoo). Do not re-bandage. Wash your tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment. Use the ointment during the first two days, 3 or 4 times a day. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo. After the first two days, apply a thin layer of fragrance free moisturizing lotion. Apply it 3 to 4 times daily for the next 2 to 3 weeks. A fragrance free, natural lotion is preferred, Aveeno is good. The normal healing time is 2 to 4 weeks. Do NOT pick or scratch your tattoo. Flaking or peeling is a natural part of the healing process.

Do not soak your tattoo during healing. That means no baths, hot tubs, pools, etc. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it’s healing. After your tattoo is healed, always use sunblock while in the sun, preferably 30 to 45 SPF. Tattoos Do fade over time. Remember to moisturize your skin with lotion. This will help keep your colors fresh. Please consult a physician at any sign of infection or allergic reaction and report any infection or allergic reaction to the tattooist and your State Department of Health in the USA.

http://www.coolnurse.com/tattoo.htm

**Jaster** · 24-Mar-06, 10:30 AM

Wow Cursor hit right on!! LOL
Oh yeah get just palin A&D not the stuff that fights infection as it will think the ink is an infection and try to remove it making your tat fade. This happened to a buddy of mine. He had to go back and have the tat retouched.
Also know that recolors are for the most part free if done at the palce that did the work.

KaiserSose · 24-Mar-06, 11:05 AM

Would a tatoo stretch as one grows bigger? I'm not really thinking about one at the moment, but, if I were to get one across my bicep, I would think that it would have to stretch out when my arm grows bigger. Is this not correct?

tim_mcf · 24-Mar-06, 12:18 PM

Unless you have pencil arms now and intend to look like Ronnie Coleman before you're done, I wouldn't worry too much about stretching.

I have several tatoos myself, and my advice is Be Damn Sure You Like The Design. Best bet is to draw it yourself, and spend at least a week or two pondering if you want it on your body For Ever. I'm pretty happy with mine, but there are a whole lot of people out there who aren't happy with theirs.

**Jaster** · 24-Mar-06, 04:45 PM

I'm happy with mine too. I do have a guitar and I no longer play it as a Pro. But it was a chunk of my life I loved.

Yes and no on the stretching. They do but you would never notice it by eye.

**cursor** · 24-Mar-06, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_mcf

my advice is Be Damn Sure You Like The Design

Play it safe and have the design simply silkscreened onto a t-shirt. That gives you the option to wear a different design every day!

**j407** · 24-Mar-06, 11:06 PM

great replys guys, one more ?, can i take showers after its done. say that very night? or should i just clean it by hand

**Jaster** · 25-Mar-06, 06:54 AM

Yes but keep the new tattoo out of direct spray then pat it with soapy water, light indirect rinse and pat dry.

**Gooseneck** · 25-Mar-06, 11:41 AM

5 tats here, none of them have stretched or anything yet. Just take good care of them and you'll be straight.

DONT PICK AT THE SCABS !!!

mangotango · 04-Apr-06, 01:09 PM

Hmmm...thinking that if the word scab freaks me out, I'm not ready for a tattoo

Sethius · 09-Apr-06, 09:56 AM

i personally don't want a tattoo. but they do totally rock!!

mangotango · 12-Apr-06, 02:19 PM

they can be fun to look at, i agree

Metalvikng · 12-Apr-06, 11:55 PM

I am pretty much sleeved out. Now here is my MAIN ADVICE on tats...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!! NEVER get a tat from an artist that is cheap or dont have a fat portfolio. A tat is a gift that keeps giving, forever, make sure you dont let some goof whos ambition is larger than his talent ink you! Next, stay away from drugs or toxins because these help tattoos to fade.
The tats on my biceps have still held the shape even after much growth.