From the risks of tattooing to how much you should be charged, find here a complete guide to decide whether to get a tattoo or not

It is increasingly common to find people on the street with tattoos, a cultural expression and symbol of authenticity or individuality. However, for some people the decision to get one takes more time than for others. What should you keep in mind?

Leer en español: Todo lo que necesita saber antes de hacerse un tatuaje

Tattoos hurt

One of the main reasons why people are afraid of tattooing is pain. It is difficult to compare this pain with any other, since it is unique and goes according to each person.

Leja em português: Tudo o que você precisa saber antes de fazer-se uma tatuagem

The level of tolerance to pain depends on several factors, for example:

1. The size: It is not the same to get a tattoo of 5cm x 5 cm that can take two to three hours, than one of 30 cm X 30 cm that can take the tattoo artist between 6 and 8 hours, and may even require up to two sessions, so that depends on how big it is, how complex the design is, and how much color the tattoo has.
2. The part of the body where you will be tattooed: Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, for example, the ribs are one of the most sensitive parts and where much pain is felt.

How much they cost?

This often depends on the store, the tattoo artist and his experience, the design and the public he has. Many tattoo artists, of the most sought after, do not charge for size or piece, but per session, while there are stores that have standard prices and charge with respect to design.

A tattoo, usually 10 x 10 cm, costs about 50 dollars in a suitable site with the necessary conditions, but a renowned tattoo artist or a well-known shop may be charging the session for 5 to 6 hours, enough for a tattoo of 15 cm x 15, between 300 and 500 dollars.

If the tattoo has color or shadows, it costs more, and it takes more time for the artist to finish it.

Tattooing has its risks

The tattoo is a wound on your skin caused by the penetration of needles that inject the ink that creates the design, so getting a tattoo is not a decision that should be taken lightly. That's why it's important to know that:

1. The machines must be totally sterilized, so it is recommended that it be in a place of trust and that it has the best hygiene conditions. The needles must be totally new, since an infected needle can infect serious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis.
2. An allergic reaction to some pigment can occur, not immediately, but with the passing of days, which can range from a small rash to an open wound that can become infected.
3. A tattoo requires time and care. It is important to moisturize it with special creams that you can find in tattoo shops or recommended by the tattooists themselves. These creams can also cause allergies, so the level of risk goes in many cases according to each person.

Tattoos can be removed

Nowadays there are different techniques to remove tattoos. However, it is a generally expensive process that can triple the amount of the cost of the tattoo, which is also very painful. These are some of the techniques:

1. Removal by skin stretch: A balloon is inserted and inflated under the skin to stretch the tissue, the tattoo is cut and layers of skin are put in place. This technique, in general, is used in small pieces and leaves a small scar.
2. Creams or lotions: There are products that can make the tattoo less visible, although they do not eliminate it completely.
3. Elimination by excision: It is cutting the tattoo. It leaves unwanted and often unsightly scars.
4. Laser removal: This technique is the most effective, but requires several sessions and you have some side effects such as hyperpigmentation, which makes the area where the tattoo took a darker color than the rest of the skin, or the hypopigmentation, which makes the area where the tattoo was found becomes clearer. With this technique the skin can become infected and can leave scars.

Latin American Post | Amaranta Ursula

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