Is tattooing a licensed profession in the state of Illinois
No, but as of July 1, 2007, all tattoo artists must
be registered and certified by the Illinois Department
of Health. In the meantime, you must rely on the
experience and credentials of the artist you choose
to provide your services. Ask to look at a portfolio
of the artist's own work..
Is tattooing safe?
Yes, it is a safe process if conducted by a trained
artist that follows the proper sanitation and sterilization
principles set forth by OSHA and the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC). All of our artists attend
annual classes on infection control and the “bloodborne
pathogens standard.” To ensure the peace
of mind of each of our clients, we open a sterile,
manufacturer sealed needle and tube in the client’s
presence just before beginning the tattoo. We also
place the used needle in a Sharps container after
the procedure has been completed – needles
can never be reused. All procedure accessories
used are disposable single-use items.
It is recognized that any invasive procedure is of
a concern to the general public. By conducting tattooing
in this manner, we feel our clients are assured their
health and well being has been protected to the highest
standards. After leaving our studio, it is then the
client's responsibility to care for the tattoo in
a manner that encourages normal healing.
Our inks have all stood the test of time and since
1991, Perfection Dermagraphics clients have never
reported an allergic reaction.
Will I be uncomfortable during the tattoo application?
Each person's response to this question will vary,
as each client‘s threshold to discomfort is different.
It is very important you do not come to be tattooed
on an empty stomach. Blood sugar levels drop with
stress and clients manage the process much better
after a light meal. It is also important you do
not drink alcohol within 24 hours of tattooing
or are under the influence of mind-altering substances.
This industry has benefited greatly from today's
advanced technologies – in the event you are unable
to sit through your entire session, we have excellent
topical anesthetics that can be used sparingly,
which normally reduces discomfort to a minimum
in order to finish the tattoo.
I have a lot of moles on my back but want a back piece,
is that okay?
Most moles are benign and are generally ignored, but
there is always the possibility that a mole could
serve as an indicator of cancer. This makes the
preservation of a mole important, as one of the
ways a mole can indicate a problem is by changing
color. If it has been tattooed over with pigment,
it may hinder your ability to spot any color differences.
Therefore, your artist will work around your moles
in designing your back piece.
How will I care for my tattoo?
There are many opinions as to what should be applied
to help heal a tattoo. Whatever the product recommended
by your artist, it should be applied very sparingly
and in a clean manner. Never put plastic wrap over
bare, tattooed skin. Your artist will tell you
when they want you to wash off the small collection
of fluid that accumulates on the fresh tattoo.
Keeping it clean with antibacterial soap and warm
water is the best thing you can do for it. Adhere
to a ‘look, but don‘t touch’ rule when showing
it to your friends.
Some itching is normal in the healing process. It
is very important you do NOT scratch, pick or peel
your tattoo. A light shedding of the outer layer of
the tattoo is normal and expected. Just as sunburn
peels, so will your tattoo, except it has color trapped
in that layer of skin. First it will appear whitish
and crackly, then it will peel. It will take at least
two weeks for the entire transition, so be patient.
Applying the aftercare ointment or lotion helps to
relieve the itching sensation. Redness or other irritation
is not normal beyond the first few hours of tattooing.
How soon before I can resume normal activities?
Usually the same day if you wish, although it is always
recommended that clients return home and rest.
Use common sense - you may resume normal activities,
as long as they do not have an adverse affect on
the healing process such as sun exposure, swimming,
or exposure to a dirty environment. You will be
provided with detailed aftercare instructions at
the completion of your tattoo session.