Tattoos — Are they safe? Do they hurt?

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Ultimate Geek

#1273895 31-Mar-2015 08:07

As has been said already it depends on the location you get it to how much pain you get.

Im a type 1 diabetic so used to being stabbed with needles daily. I likened getting a tattoo to being drawn on with a sharp pencil...

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Sideface

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#1273963 31-Mar-2015 09:29

IlDuce: I have 5 tattoos and looked into getting one removed. WINZ will pay for this if its likely to be a barrier to gaining employment BTW. I got a doctor referral, and then was informed while laser removal is effective - there is some thought that when the laser allows the ink to be removed by the lymphatic system, there is some risk of developing cancer from it. Thats all I needed to hear and I have not had the removal done.

Whether or not some tattoo inks can cause cancer has been hotly debated. (Different countries use different inks.)

Whether or not you have laser treatment, the tattoo pigment is slowly removed by your lymphatic system anyway.

That's why tattoos blur and fade with time.
This starts on day 1 of your first tattoo, and continues for the rest of your life.
Your lymph nodes will already be the same colour(s) as your tattoo(s).

If you want a tattoo removed to improve your employment options, to ahead, this will not increase your risk of cancer above what it is already (which is probably very low).

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andrew027

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#1274087 31-Mar-2015 10:40

I have no tattoos. Not because I'm against them as such, but because I get bored easily. I don't even wear t-shirts I bought a few years ago because I'm over the picture on the front – I’d be inking, lasering and re-inking myself every other year. My missus has a couple of small ones in discreet places though and she’s a wuss – if the first one had hurt too badly she never would have had a second one done!

If you have an idea of the kind of thing you want, I’d suggest going to a couple of places (if you’re in Blenheim then I think I know the place you’re talking about, but maybe take a drive over the hill to Nelson to increase your options). Talk it over and see what kind of work they do and get some recommendations from them based on your age, skin condition, where you want the tattoo, etc. Also ask to see some samples of the work of whoever the artist is, and not just design drawings on the wall – actual photos of tattoos they have done. I'm also guessing that tattoo parlours would need some kind of certification showing they have been inspected and are following ood health and safety guidelines - I'd ask to see that as well.

And remember:

nathan

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#1274103 31-Mar-2015 11:00

IlDuce:
joker97: You cannot take it back ... stuck with it forever ...

I have a tattoo I regret, only because 99% of people who see it have no idea what it is, and therefore ask what it is (and its too hard to explain), or take a guess of what it is and the typical guess is totally wrong but it sort of irritates me the general public must think thats what it looks like.

So there is a solution to getting rid of a tattoo one regrets, if you don't want laser removal, and thats my plan for this irritating tattoo, is to get a patch-over tattoo. I have figured out by its basic shape, it would be very easy to simply go over it in black in another tasteful design.

funny how people associate Swastika symbol with the Nazis rather than Buddhism thru central, south and east asia

wasabi2k

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#1274144 31-Mar-2015 11:32

As has been said:
Reputable parlours are safe - don't reuse needles, suitably sterile conditions. Shop parlours based on word of mouth and reviews, NOT price. At the end of the day there is always risk, but unless you have immune issues or use a really shoddy parlour it isn't a worry. Obviously I wouldn't go from nothing to 4 hour sessions as the ink does cause your body to react in large volumes, hence the gaps between getting serious work done.

No they are not as sterile as an OR, but neither are they cutting you open. Horses for Courses.

Do they hurt? Depends where you get them, but yes they do. Some areas are worse than others. If it is on a skinny part (shoulder blade/ankle) over a bone it can hurt more. I think it is part of the process and makes the tat more meaningful.

If you are getting a tattoo by going into a shop and picking a picture, I'd suggest you reconsider. If you have something in mind you can book to chat to an artist and they can come up with something you like. If you don't like it, don't get it. Be prepared to pay for the consult if you don't get the tattoo, it is up to the artist. At the end of the day this is permanent, put some time into getting it right.

Laser Removal is expensive, takes a long time and is painful. It is a last resort. Getting a tattoo thinking you can just get it removed is pure folly.

I'd also suggest steering clear of anything visible in a long sleeve shirt and pants, so avoid the neck, hands, face etc. While there is significantly less stigma attached to tattoos they can be severely career limiting in most office jobs. Please avoid the cliches - tribal tats, tramp stamps etc. Get something meaningful.

For reference I have two smallish tattoos - middle of the back (sore) and left forearm (not so bad). Planning on getting a half sleeve in the next year or so (money permitting).

jonathan18

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#1274168 31-Mar-2015 11:57

nathan: funny how people associate Swastika symbol with the Nazis rather than Buddhism thru central, south and east asia

Its use in Asia pre-dates Buddhism, given that that religion was heavily influenced by Hinduism, for whom the swastika was and remains an important symbol (as any visitor to India would have seen). My father-in-law (a Catholic Indian!) has one tattooed on his hand...

The swastika has been used by many cultures across time as well, as shown in that most reputable source Wikipedia.

Geektastic

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#1274217 31-Mar-2015 12:14

Be aware of how it might look when you're old and wrinkly...!

They aren't for me. Too redolent of sailors and yobs for my taste but whatever floats your boat.

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MikeB4

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#1274221 31-Mar-2015 12:19

Inviting pain when it visits so often uninvited is something I don't need to get art

dafman

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#1274227 31-Mar-2015 12:22

Tattoo pain chart ... (-;

http://lifehacker.com/carefully-decide-where-to-get-a-tattoo-with-this-pain-c-1689492474

Geese

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#1274249 31-Mar-2015 12:30

dafman: Tattoo pain chart ... (-;

http://lifehacker.com/carefully-decide-where-to-get-a-tattoo-with-this-pain-c-1689492474

I don't really think tattoos hurt, I'd rather have an 8 hour tattoo session than a quick filling! Which is why I've got numerous tattoos but only been to the dentist once in last 17 years. So if you don't think getting a filling hurts, then getting a tattoo will be a breeze.

Looking at the pain chart dafman linked to though, all of mine are in the areas of yellow to light orange. Could be why I don't think they hurt though.

HcoNmeM

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#1274270 31-Mar-2015 12:41

Do your homework on the artist..
I got hep c from a tattoo when I was younger, I've now got cirrhosis of the liver from it..
Although I'm ok, it's a very very serious condition.. and all from getting tattooed..

I've since covered my body as much ink as my wallet will allow :)
So.... make sure you watch them use new clean needles and make sure they sterilise everything!!

Otherwise.. yup they hurt.. but only for a little while..
There's an old saying..
Good work isn't cheap.. and Cheap work isn't good.. :)

Fred99

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#1274302 31-Mar-2015 13:12

Like other art, good quality canvas allows for some really creative possibilities:

Full article on Jack Carb - King of Tattoo

MikeB4

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#1274308 31-Mar-2015 13:20

Geektastic: Be aware of how it might look when you're old and wrinkly...!

They aren't for me. Too redolent of sailors and yobs for my taste but whatever floats your boat.

What on earth is wrong with sailors?

Fred99

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#1274317 31-Mar-2015 13:28

KiwiNZ:
Geektastic: Be aware of how it might look when you're old and wrinkly...!

They aren't for me. Too redolent of sailors and yobs for my taste but whatever floats your boat.

What on earth is wrong with sailors?

Scurvy, excess rum, and Treponema pallidum infection are the stereotypical culprits.

MikeB4

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#1274333 31-Mar-2015 13:31

Fred99:
KiwiNZ:
Geektastic: Be aware of how it might look when you're old and wrinkly...!

They aren't for me. Too redolent of sailors and yobs for my taste but whatever floats your boat.

What on earth is wrong with sailors?

Scurvy, excess rum, and Treponema pallidum infection are the stereotypical culprits.

Oh I see its based on ancient prejudices, OK we can get back on topic now.

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