What you are about to read are
questions which we have received from around the world. We have left them
just as asked and have not altered the original answer which we gave.
Hopefully by seeing some of the questions that we are asked on a daily
basis you will be able to find the answer to your own question concerning
Tattoos and Piercing. However if you cannot find your answer here, please
do not hesitate to e-mail us at tatman@ubtat2d.com
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Saturday. After all as I am so fond of saying....
"THE ONLY STUPID QUESTION
IS THE UNASKED QUESTION!"
Subject: my hurting navel
Question: Hi, last saturday I went in and got my navel pierced. I am 17, my mom also got one and her friend plus 3 other kids ranging in age from 7 to 10. So there was 6 of us. All of ours is still sore, but they are getting better. But my hurts pretty bad, I don't they take time to heal. But I can't even sleep at night, because I have to sleep on my stomach and that hurts way too much, I can't bump it or anything. I am cleaning it all the time with povidone-iodine solution, 10%. It does not sting when I put it on or anything. They said to turn it around, but that hurts alot, and I have not been able to do, my sister who got it done 2 years ago, said just to wait until it stops hurting as much and in a few more days start turning it, is that okay? It does not look infected, if is a little red where the 2 ends go in but not infected. What I did yesterday was put some antibiotic ointment cream on it, a that helps it turn a little, but then it really stings when it turns. Is that still okay to put on?
How long is it usually sore for, I know they said it takes 9 to 12 months to heal, but how long is it sore for? Right now it has been 4 days and I can walk fine and bend over some, but if my shirt lays against it is starts to sting a little, and my I can't bump it against anything, even my jeans button touching it makes it hurt. Any suggestions?
Answer: Angela,
STOP USING THE IODINE AND OINTMENT!!!!! That is the worst thing you could be doing. For proper piercing aftercare instructions please go to my faq page at http://ubtat2d.com/faq.html
You are infected. Follow the instructions on #6 on the list on my faq page for infections.
Also, please be aware that no one under 17 should be getting any sort of body piercing. You are still growing up to 17-18 years of age and getting any sort of body piercing before that age can lead to migration which will leave a real nasty scar. The 7 and 10 year old would be well advised to remove their piercings and let them heal closed. They should wait until 17 until attempting it again.
I hope this has been of some help to you if I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: working out after getting a tattoo
Question: Hey Gypsy..I am ready to get my first tattoo, it will be an arm band.. and want to know the following. I workout (lift weights) 6 days a week. Is this going to be a problem??? Thanks...Jeff
Answer: Jeff,
Hold off on your workout for approx. 10 days after getting your tattoo. This is so you do not damage it during the healing period. After it heals.... No problem!
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: Tattoo aftercare (natural alternatives)
Question: I am preparing myself for my first tattoo and am extensively looking into aftercare products. The tattooist in town recommends Lubriderm from day one of receiving a tattoo, but I am also interested in natural products as an alternative. I was wondering about Aloe Vera (right off the plant), or a powder I made which contains Alow Leaf powder, Slippery Elm Bark powder, Comfrey Root powder, Myhrr, and a few drops of Lavender Essential oil and Tea Tree essential oil. This powder is used for healing wounds, as well as skin conditions like psoriasis and ecsema. It forms a protective "scab" on the wound to help it heal, and the powders are used for their antiseptic and antibacterial, as well as healing properties. Would this be a good idea to use on my tattoo?? My skin doesn't heal very well on it's own (a small cut can last me a week), so anything to help speed up the healing process would help a lot. Thanks for your time,
Leah
Answer: Leah,
Using pure Aloe Vera is ok as a natural healing alternative. However, I would strongly advise against the powder that you have made. The reason being the tattoo has to be able to breath in order to heal properly. It sounds to me like this powder you have made would seal the tattoo thus not allowing for proper healing. Another thing you might want to consider for the healing of your tattoo is bag balm. It is mostly natural ingredients. I do recommend against using Lubriderm or any other sort of hand lotion for healing as it has a tendency to dull out the tattoo.
When you get a tattoo, it automatically forms a scab which will fall off on its own in time (you do not pick the scab), therefore, the powders ability to form a protective scab is redundant since the tattoo will do that on its own anyway.
Please go to my website at http://www.ubtat2d.com/faq.html for instructions on proper healing techniques and let me know if you have any other questions.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: tatoos on toes
Question: I have heard 'mixed/ reviews about tattooing your toes. I would like to do this - between the beginning of the toe and the first 'knuckle' - a band, like a ring....but I have heard that they don't turn out very good....they fade and people are disappointed. Any advice? Is there steps I can take in the aftercare stage to prevent excessive fading? Thanks.
Answer: Diane,
No matter what type of aftercare you use and no matter how careful you are a toe tattoo will ALWAYS FADE! The feet and toes are high wear area's and the tattoo will not hold up to the abuse that they take. Also, please be aware that the toes are one of the most tender areas of the body to be tattooed.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: proper healing
Question: Okay, Gypsy....I asked you about tats on the toes and you advised against it....I did it anyway (gulp...). It has been a week and it looks awesome!!! The color is really strong and it hasn't faded or had color bleed (yet...). It never bled or scabbed. My question is two-fold (1) when is the aftercare period 'officially over' -when I can feel relaxed that it is 'fine' and isn't going to 'flake off' (an odd fear, but it seems like it might???) .... and (2) so far I have been wearing sandals...what will happen if I put on shoes/socks and start running again? Thanks!
Answer: Diane,
The healing period is 7 to 10 days. I think you are going to find that as soon as you do shoes and socks and start running, that is when the tattoo will start fading. Sorry, it can't be helped. (High wear area, as I stated).
Good luck.
The GYPSY
Subject: Tatoo gone wrong
Question: Hello Gypsy,
I have a TRIBAL butterfly tatoo on my ankle about 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
The guy that did my tatoo did a really bad job. The butterfly was suppose to be symetrical but if you look at it closely it is not.
I'm wondering if I should get it done over or should I just leave it alone? It's kind of hard to describe the butterfly. Please advice, I appreciate your help.
Answer: Violet,
Hi! It is really hard to answer this question without seeing the design. I can tell you that tribal is going to be hard to fix if the design is really bad. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to just cover it up with another design. Again, being a tribal design you will have to pick a new design that has a lot of color and a lot of detail or the black will show through. If there is any way you can get a pic scanned and email it to me at tatman@ubtat2d.com, I could tell you better what you will be facing and what your options are.
I hope this has been of some help and if I can be of further assistance please let me know.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: tattoo
Question: I got a tattoo on 5-18-01 and the next day i noticed that the edges were blurry. on closer inspection it looks like the ink (black) bled out under the skin away from where the actual tattoo was injected. the tattoo (scabs) are there then there are parts where the ink has blurred the image and it looks terrible. i did some prior research but found no answer to this. i am wondering if this is normal (this is my 2nd tattoo) and if i should wait til it heals before reacting. is that ink in the dermis or the epidermis? what can be done?
thanks.
Answer: May,
Actually, other than covering the design, removal or adding to it to hide the edges there is not much that can be done. The pigment is going to continue to spread. Unfortunately the artist technic was poor and they went to deep or on an angle or both. I don't want to lay all of this off on the artist though.... In rare circumstances (very rare) the person receiving the tattoo may have a skin condition which causes the skin to be overly soft and thin. This can also lead to the problem you are having. Or the person did something stupid like using a skin deadening solution before getting the tattoo. That would also cause a problem. But, 99 times out of a hundred it is the fault of the artist. I would advise that you either see if the artist will stand behind his work and fix the problem for you or find another artist.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: Botched tattoo
Question: I got my first (and only) tattoo in November and it looks awful! I went to a reputable studio in Atlanta, GA.- Sacred Heart, but went with the first guy that waited on us because I thought my design was so small
(about 2" high) and simple I was embarrassed to ask for anyone else. The tattoo is mushy looking, sloppy, uneven and 1/2 the ink is gone and I DIDN'T scratch! I desperately want to fix it but was told by another
artist that I should just leave it alone. He said adding any new ink at this point would just make it look worse, unless I covered it with a new design. I waited a year for THIS DESIGN and I want to keep it and have it look great. Any ideas?? I had it done in dark purple with a red outline (I know, BAD idea). Can I have it reworked in plain black? Know anyone in the Atlanta area?
HELP!!!!
Kelly
P.S. Yes, the jerk also made one "leaf" of the flower look like an erect penis... would LOVE to have that changed too.
Answer: Kelly,
I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is you've been talking to the wrong people. No reputable studio would have allowed you to leave their establishment with a bad tattoo. They also would have stood behind their work and offered to fix it for you free of charge. Also, the artist that told you the design could not be fixed probably just did not want to mess with it.
The good news.... A reputable artist can and will fix it without giving you a line of BS. What you should do is spend some time touring the studios in your area and talking to the artists and checking out their facilities. To get an idea what to look for in a reputable studio and artist please visit my FAQ page at http://ubtat2d.com/faq.html There you will find the info you need for locating the right person to do your fix-up.
You should never outline in any color other than black as colored pigment has a tendency to run under the skin. Yes you can have it reworked in black.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: pubic area tattoos
Question: I am considering getting a tattoo in the pubic area.
1) how painful are they?
2) will pain killers, like vicodin, minimize the pain?
Any and all information will be most appreciated
Thnks
Answer: Jerry,
The pubic area is pretty tender, but if you want it there, you will survive. It is not a good idea to take any pain killers. I myself will not work on any one if I know they are on drugs or have been drinking. It is better to just grin and bare it! :)
I hope this has been of some help and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: nipple piercing
Question: i am gay and wanting to get my nipple pierced and was wondering if there was any gay symbolism relating to whcih i should get pierced.
i am proud to be gay and want others to know that i am without teling them
many thanks
Answer: Howard,
In todays society it really does not make a difference which nipple is pierced. There really is no symbolism assoiated with either one. It is just which ever one you want pierced.
It use to be considered that if your left ear was pierced you were straight and if your right ear was pierced you were gay but even that has fallen by the way side. Straight and gay males get both ears pierced now so it no longer matters. Just like it does not matter which nipple you have pierced. Just get the one that pleases you most.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: tattoo
Question: im planning to have a tattoo on my arm, but which one?
I know there's something with piercing ears, that gay ppl use rings in the left ear & so on..
I want a straight tattoo (i hope this doesn't sound too stupid) and i was wondering which arm i should put it on?
Answer: Odin,
It used to be considered if your right ear is pierced, you are gay. In today's society that is no longer true.
You can get your tattoo on either arm and it is not considered that you are gay if it is your right arm you decide to get the tattoo design on.
I hope this has been of some help and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: labret piercing
Question: Hello,
I'm thinking of having my labret pierced but have recently heard some horror stories about people having to remove them becouse of terrible tooth and gum erosion.Can a labret damage your teeth and gums? Also, could you please tell me how obvious the hole is if you haven't got the stud in as I'm into acting and could'nt risk anything too obvious.
Thanx,
Ruth
Answer: Ruth,
If a Labret is done properly it should not come into contact with the teeth and should not rub on the gums. As for how noticeable the hole is.... If you remove the labret for any length of time (even after healing), the hole will start closing ie; 30 minutes on up. Also it leaves a very notaceable scar. Also be aware that it takes 9 to 12 months to totally heal.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: Tattoo
Question: I'm planning on getting a tattoo here in a few weeks and I was wondering if there's any kind of web-site where you can "build your own tatto" in a sense. Like you can pick a basic thing and customize it to your liking. I live near Baxter Kansas and was wondering if that is where you're located, because I was at a shop yesterday, and Gypsy is the name of the owner there.Thanks for your help.
Answer: Kelsie,
It was my studio you were at. I am The GYPSY owner of Skin Art Creations Tattoo Emporium, Baxter Springs, Kansas.
There is no web site where you can "Build your own Tattoo." Most generally you can discuss what you want with the artist and they can either show you a design along those lines, modify an existing design in their collection of flash or draw you up an original design.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: tatoo school in Europe
Question -
where I can find information about good tatoo schools in Europe, preferably Italy. Thank you very much.
Answer -
Bajo,
Wish I could help you here but I'm not sure if there are any Tattoo schools in Europe. Most people have to apprentice under a qualified artist in an established studio to learn. You might want to do a key word search on the internet. You may also wish to check out my online tutorial at http://www.sekpress.net
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: Questions
Question -
A.Would you recommend entering this career? Why or why not?
B.What is most rewarding about this career?
C.What is most frustrating about this career?
D.What is the most important ability or trait a person considering this
career should have?
E.Do you think you will stay in this career field? Why or why not?
Answer -
Chery,
A. Only if you have artistic ability and understand that it is not about
the money, it is about the art.
B. Making people happy that they came to you for their tattoo.
C. People who think that this is a get rich quick profession and go around
scarring people without a clue as to what they are doing. You cannot
tattoo without proper training.
D. Patience!
E. I've been doing it for over 26 years I don't see me changing careers
now!
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
Subject: reworking
Question -
hi I was just wondering how long I should wait before getting my tattoo reworked? thanks alot
katie
Answer -
Katie,
You need to wait 2 weeks before you have a tattoo reworked. I think this is the simplist question I've ever had to answer. :)
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: Breast feeding
Question -
if breast feeding is it safe to get tatooed. and if u have any information on new demonic art.IS THERE any way of practicicng shading technics of all sorts like light shading but mostly detail shading from a blankoutline.
Answer -
Jen,
Not a good idea to get a tattoo until after you are done breastfeeding. There are alot of shading techniques, it just takes practice to determine what works best for you and the type of tattoo you are doing.
As far as demonic art, check your local library or do internet searches. HR Geiger is an artist that deals with this sort of thing, as well as Paul Booth.
I hope this has been of some help to you and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: 1st time tattoo
Question -
hi gypsy. i'm a 22 year old guy from the detroit, michigan area, and i've been thinking about getting a tattoo for years. my last name is king, so i want to get a simple tattoo of a crown on my upper arm. i want it to be plain and monochrome- maybe about the size of a silver dollar. do you
think that would make for a good tattoo?
when i get this done, should i bring in a picture of what i want? do you have any pictures or resources that might help me find a pic? and how much do you think i should expect to pay? thank you!!
ps- do you know of any good places in the detroit area where i should go?
Answer -
Rick,
This is Gypsy's wife, Debbie. You are my homie! I grew up in Michigan and lived in Detroit for a few years - (Redford area).
If a crown is what you want, then it's a good tattoo. Appropriate for your last name, anyway. It is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life so just be sure it's what you want.
For something the size of a silver dollar you shouldn't spend more than $50 to $65. I would think a crown the size of a silver dollar might be a little too small. It will be hard to see the detail in the design if it is too small. You might want to go a little bigger for a crown.
I will have Gypsy follow up with this question so he can recommend a good shop in the Detroit area for you.
Debbie
----------
Rick,
I recommend Suzanne out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I'm not sure what the name of her studio is but I think it's Creative Body Images. Check the phone book for studios in Ann Arbor and call around until you find her. She's got a heavy appt list, but she is excellent.
The GYPSY
http://www.ubtat2d.com
Subject: tattoo cover-up
Question -
I got a tattoo 8-9 years ago. It is the (once) famous picture of the 2 cherubs sitting on a cloud with the boy angel kissing the girl. Well, the cherubs turned out BEAUTIFUL, however, I hated the cloud. I went back to have them touch it up and now it looks like 2 cherubs sitting on a
brain....They filled it in with chunky blue and purple lines and it looks awful.
The total size is 3x4" and the cloud isn't THAT big - but to walk past someone and they only get a glimpse...it looks like a brain.
My question is - since the cloud is now so dark (royal blue and a deep purple), I would think the only way to fix it is to cover it up (as opposed to lightening it up in some way)....
Is it fairly easy to cover up just a portion of a tat? It would be weird regardless, because the boys leg hangs down in front of the cloud anyway...
Basically - do you have any suggestions?
Thanks a million
Donelle
Answer -
Donelle,
Unfortunately it sounds to me like you fell in with the wrong studio to do your tattoo. Instead of staying true to the nature of your tattoo they did what THEY wanted, not what YOU wanted. Truly unprofessional!
My advise to you is to visit some of the other studios in your area and talk with the artist there and see what they might be able to do for you. A good artist can fix or cover a tattoo that has been messed up with little trouble. If you will visit my faq page at http://ubtat2d.com/faq.html you will find a list there of things to ask an artist when choosing a studio to do your work.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
-The GYPSY-
http://ubtat2d.com
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