Search results
Please Contact Piercers, Tattoo Artists, Esthetician or Cosmetic Tattooer Directly. Set up a consultation, schedule a tattoo/piercing project, or ask any questions you may have.
- Overview
- Types of body modification
- Health risks of tattoos
- Health risks of body piercings
- Precautions for tattoos and piercings
- Aftercare for tattoos and piercings
- Removing a tattoo or piercing
A tattoo is created when an artist inserts ink, with the help of a needle, into the layer of skin known as the dermis. This changes the skin’s pigment and can be used to create almost any image imaginable.
Tattoos have become more and more popular in recent years. According to some surveys, anywhere from 30 percent to 44 percent of American adults have tattoos.
Piercing is another popular form of body art. In this type of body modification, a piercing artist uses a needle to puncture a hole into the body. They then insert a piece of jewelry into this hole.
Although tattoos and piercings have grown in popularity, these procedures have health risks. Before making the decision to modify your body, it’s important to understand the adverse side effects associated with these procedures.
There are different types of tattoos and piercings.
For example, permanent makeup is one form of tattooing. This is when permanent ink is used to mimic the look of eyeliner, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, or other kinds of makeup.
Body parts that can be pierced include the:
•ears, such as the earlobes, tragus, or conch
•nose, such as the nostrils or septum
•eyebrows
When you receive a tattoo, a tattoo artist uses a handheld machine with an attached needle to puncture the skin. Every time this device makes a hole, it injects ink into the dermis — the second layer of skin below the epidermis.
Tattoos are a common form of self-expression, but they also damage the skin and can cause complications. Complications can include:
•allergic reaction to tattoo dyes, which may develop years later (symptoms of an allergic reaction include a rash at the tattoo site)
•a skin infection, such as a staph infection or cutaneous tuberculosis
•burning or swelling at the tattoo site
•granulomas, or nodules of inflamed tissue, around the tattoo site
Modifying your body with piercings also carries a measure of risk, such as the risk of a bacterial infection.
Some people develop an abscess after getting a piercing. This pus-filled mass can develop around the piercing. This is a serious side effect. If left untreated, there’s the risk for sepsis or blood poisoning.
Sepsis is a life threatening illness that occurs in response to infection. It can result in organ failure and death. Symptoms of blood poisoning include:
•high fever
•chills
•rapid heart rate
Tips for safe tattoos
•Get a tattoo from a licensed, reputable facility. Tattoo regulations and requirements vary by state, so check with your local department of health for the latest safety laws. •Choose another facility if there’s evidence of poor hygiene in the shop. Work surfaces, chairs, and nondisposable equipment must be properly cleaned and sterilized between customers. •Check to make sure your artist uses a fresh pair of gloves and washes their hands before starting the procedure. •Make sure you observe your artist removing needles from a new, sealed package. Needles and razors shouldn’t be reused. •The area of skin being tattooed should be swabbed with a disinfectant, such as rubbing alcohol, prior to tattooing. •Fresh tattoos should be covered with sterile gauze or a bandage. Follow the artist’s instructions for caring for newly tattooed skin.
Tips for safe piercings
•A piercing gun should only be used on earlobes. To avoid crushing delicate tissues, your piercer should use a hollow needle on other body parts. •Piercers should wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of disposable surgical gloves. •Body piercings should be performed with a single-use needle, which is disposed of after each use. •Jewelry should be sterilized before being inserted through the body. •Piercing equipment and surfaces should be sanitized and wiped down after each customer.
Caring for a tattoo
It can take about 2 weeks for the top layer of your skin to heal. You can reduce the risk of infection by only touching the tattoo on rare occasions until it heals. •Keep new tattoos bandaged for the first 1 to 2 hours only. Apply antibiotic ointment to your skin after removing the bandage. •Gently clean the tattoo with plain soap and water, and then pat dry. •Use a mild, unscented moisturizer on newly tattooed skin throughout the day. •Avoid direct sun exposure for the first few weeks.
Caring for a body piercing
Healing times for piercings will vary. According to the Center for Young Women’s Health, they can range from about 6 weeks for ear or nose piercings to 1 year for belly button or male genital piercings. •Gently clean new piercings with a saltwater solution. Soak clean gauze in the solution, and then apply the gauze to the new piercing. •Only clean piercings twice a day. Overcleaning can irritate skin and slow the healing process. •Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching or cleaning piercings. Signs of infection Signs of an infected tattoo or infected piercing include a fever, an abscess, and red, swollen skin. See a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection.
Tattoos can be removed, but not always completely or with satisfying cosmetic results. The process is expensive and requires repeated visits to a doctor. Scarring is also likely.
The FDA recommends laser surgery performed by a dermatologist as a safe tattoo removal technique. Consult your doctor if you’re thinking about having a tattoo removed.
We specialize in state-of-the-art methods, for both tattooing and piercing, from award winning industry professionals who are as passionate about your tattoos, piercings and jewelry as you are.
Apr 22, 2024 · Tattoos & Piercings. Body Piercing Guide: What to Expect, Healing, and Care, According to Experts. By. Karen L. Hudson. and. Amber Sayer. Updated on 04/22/24 03:31PM. Reviewed by. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST. Stocksy. In This Article. Ear Piercings Facial Piercings Oral Piercings Body/Surface Piercings.
Tattoo Request | Piercing Request | PMU Request. LUCKY BIRD TATTOO is a custom body art and piercing studio. Our artists work mainly by appointment but also try to accommodate walk-ins when possible. We pride ourselves on offering high quality tattoos with great customer service, putting everything we have into what we do!
People also ask
What are the different types of tattoos and piercings?
Who is Lucky Bird tattoo?
Are body piercings permanent?
What are the risks of a body piercing?
NEW YORK CITY’S WALK-IN TATTOO & PIERCING SHOP. BOOK SOHO. BOOK UNION SQUARE. BOOK WILLIAMSBURG. SERVICES. TATTOOS. PIERCINGS. TOOTH GEMS. BOOK NOW. LOCATIONS. WILLIAMSBURG. SOHO. UNION SQUARE. BOOK NOW. TATTOOS STARTING AT $50. At Live By The Sword Tattoo, our tattoos start at only $50.
4 days ago · Visions is a full-service tattoo and piercing studio in an art gallery setting, housing incredible, visionary artists and piercers under one vintage Victorian roof. We believe in working with our clients to create innovative and one of a kind pieces and experiences.
