I have a question for people who have tattoos... please?

Question

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. In a couple of years i will be getting a tattoo. Anyways, i was wondering what happens when you go in, and do they use new needles? I hear you can possibly get AIDS, HPV, and other STD from already used needles? How can you prevent this? And also, how badly does it hurt? I was thinking about getting two small cat paw prints on my lower back. Thanks for you help & time!

Answer 1

If you go to a halfway professional place, there's little chance of you getting an STD from the needles. You'd have to go into some bad parts of town for that to happen. When you go in, they should have a huge collection of artwork for you to choose from, or you can make special arrangements to use your own design. They'll make sure you're 18, make you wait a little bit and then your up. Yours sounds like it would take maybe 30-45 minutes, maybe less depending on how small you're getting the prints. I got a lower back tattoo and it hurt pretty bad. Nothing unbearable, just not comfy at all. Grin and bear it. Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

if you dont already know anything about how the tattoo shop prepares or conducts there business your not ready to get a tattoo.
you can obtain all this info from the tattoo shop. the shop is supposed to use new sterlized but they still have to be sterlized needles or they are breaking the law. you can get all of those diseases aids HPV, hepititis, etc. at no time should they use a used needle . if so you shouldnt let them touch you.
depending on where you get the tattoo it may hurt a little. Example on you back if you got it in the middle on the spine or close to it would hurt a lot more. Just imagine getting a shot the needle pricking you a bunch of times; except the tattoo needle doesnt go that deep it just goes 3-4 skin layers deep to get the best affect out of your tattoo.

Answer 3

A real, reputable tattoo shop will open a brand new needle in front of you and they are very clean when you walk in. Always check out the tattoo shop and tattooist before deciding on a final. HPV is a VIRUS that causes Cervical Cancer, NOT an STD NOR genital warts. Here is a website that you can check out for yourself about HPV.
Also the lower back hurts really bad(so i've heard) because the nerves are right at the top of your spine closest to your skin.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 4

I have three tats so here goes... Every reputable parlor uses new needles. Also all of the other parts are put in an autoclave to disinfect the parts. Check to make sure the Ta too parlor is registered with the state health department. Once you've done that, ask around. Don't just go to the first place in the phone book. Ask people you see with tats for a recommendation. Most of us are proud of our tats and will tell you were we got them done. As far as pain goes, I won't lie... it does hurt a bit, but on your lower back you should be fine. The most painful places are where there is bone. I like your idea for the paw prints and think they'll look great. Good Luck and welcome to tattoo nation.

Answer 5

Okay, all reputable parlors have autoclaves that disinfect the parts of the needle-gun and other safety measures. The list on about.com (linked) gives a good checklist.

You'll have to go in and get a quote on your tattoo anyway if you or a friend designed it (reccommended), and then make an appointment. When you go in, look around and use some common sense! Also you can ask the questions on the checklist, and tell them that it's your first and you're concerned. When I got my first one, the place I went to was very used to getting these questions and gave almost a little 'tour' when I said I was new to tattoos. They were very professional about it - but if they give you a hard time or you just have a bad feeling, LEAVE and find somewhere else to go.

For me, the hurt was kind of like waxing. It was less than a screwed up waxing, actually.

Answer 6

Yes they use needles, but they are very very small. There is a very small chance of getting a disease from it if they use dirty needles. You can prevent this by asking to see their sterilization room. Also if you go to a shop and you dont see them take the needles out of the sterilization bag, turn around and walk out. Most artists will show you that the needles are clean. They are very understandind when it comes to newbies. As far as pain goes, it's all a persons tolerance. I have 2 tattoos, one on my lower back and one on my foot. The foot hurt alot! The back didn't hurt until he got near my spine. After a while you'll feel a warm sensation instead of pain, at least that's how it was for me.
I hope this helps you. :-)

Answer 7

First you want to research the tattoo parlor you are going to go to. To avoid any diseases you want to check the place out first, maybe stay and watch someone get a tattoo and see that they wash their hands first and take the needle out of a sealed package. Also look around, is the place dirty, does it smell, and most importantly how seriouse are the artist that work there. Tattoos are not unpainful they do sting. Tattooes hurt worse on parts of the body were the skin is thin (wrist) if you are getting a small tattoo it shouldn't take very long therefore it will cut down on the pain. Dont take any drugs either. or drink before you go, this will make you bleed alot more.

Answer 8

OK well first to answer your question the lower back is the most sensitive but I think for what you are getting you will most definitely be able to handle it.
Now for second, Are the needles clean, They are Brand New depending on state laws. When you go to get your tattoo ask them if you can see them take the needles out of the package before they perform the work on you.
If the regulations state that they have to be soaked in some sort of solvent then Make sure you Witness this.

Or you could call them for their Regulations before you even go to the tattoo parlour.

Answer 9

The chance of you getting Hep. C, AIDS or anything else is VERY slim when you go to a reputable and safe shop that you have researched and that you trust.

They should use new needles, any shop that doesn't shouldn't be trusted. You have the right to see that things are clean, safe and sterile. If they refuse to tell you things or explain what is going on, you should leave. All tattoo artists and piercers that I know show the client EVERYTHING and are very, very professional and clean about their jobs.

As far as pain, everyone is different and everyone uses a different analogy to explain the feeling. Commonly, its a bearable pain and you won't be screaming in agony. Since the tattoos seem small, it won't be THAT bad, but you are welcome to ask the artist for a break if you need it. Just take deep breaths and keep your mind off of it if it bugs you that much.

Like I said, to minimize problems off all sorts, research the place you go to and the artist you choose, ask questions and if you don't get good answers, leave. Be sure to be set in what you want and make sure you follow the aftercare advice given to you to ensure your tattoo looks its best for years to come.

Good breakdown of frequently asked questions and concerns. Read up!
http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Tattoo_FAQ

Answer 10

Most decent places will use new needles so I would suggest going to a place that someone you trust refers you to. Once you're there ask point blank about the use of new needles. The best defense is to go with a well established, clean tattoo parlor and be up front about your concerns. Let them prove to you that it is safe.

As to the pain: its really not that bad. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others and so they will hurt more. Black lines hurt more than shading, but even so its not much worse than getting a cat scratch while its happenning and a mild sunburn afterwards.