Mostly raised questions are:

Do the colors fade?
How  does the process of tattoo happen?
How do you take care of  tattoos?
Can one get an infection while tattooing?
How do you sterilize the equipment?
Can I have a tattoo made over a scar?
Can I have a tattoo made in white  only?
Do you make  tattoos  which glow in the dark?
I have dark skin-can I have a tattoo made in colour?
Can a nursing mother or a pregnant woman have a tattoo made?
Is there any medical condition which could prevent me of having tattoo made?
How do you sterilize the equipment?
Is the Studio safe and sanitary clean?
How could you protect from body piercing side effects?
Problems which could emerge if you have your tongue pierced?
Do you have in mind the hygiene of the Tattoo Studio you have decided for?

Q: Do the colors fade?
A: YES. The colors do fade, but people do as well. The whole problem with permanent pigments is that a lot of the best pigments are not always most reliable for work on people (they have some components which react differently with different skin). Therefore, the tattoo industry must find safer alternatives. These days we use rather permanent paint or slow - fading paints (dispersions) In the past this could not be said for yellow, orange and pink paints. Still Magenta is not resistant to fading . Ultraviolet beams have the greatest influence on the skin color, especially  the sun rays. Hence, we say yes, your tattoo will fade in time but not completely. Tattoos fade, because the work of the pigment which the tattoo consist of is gradually going up as people get older. And your body  always rejects  the old and dead cells where the dead cells set apart, and the skin cracks and fade. The same thing happens to the color.

It does not mean that you have to avoid the sun. What it means is  that you have to be careful. The sun, especially great exposure to it will fade the tattoo (except the black one) for  approximately the same time needed for the skin itself to be renewed. Another important thing is that if that tattoo was made by a professional it would last longer i.e. the fading process would not be so fast, but if it was made by an amateur it would fade for a very shot time.

I often hear: “This tattoo is six years old and it needs to be repainted”. This would not have happened if the tattoo master had done his job properly or unless you had  sunbathed  or if during the healing process you had not made it dirty or watered it. I recommend, during the first two months after you had your tattoo made, not to sunbathe, especially if the tattoo master had used non-organic paints since  a photochemical reaction could occur earlier before the tattoo heals.

It does not mean that the sun will not fade the tattoo especially if you have sensitive, delicate skin or if there is  too much paint on but not supported by black one. And when  black becomes green it means that your skin has grown old taking the tattoo with itself. Therefore taking care of your skin is taking care of your tattoo as well.

Statistically, if everything is well done  while tattooing and the care taken after it, the tattoo should last 15-20 years until the moment it needs repainting. However, it is very difficult to provide  an accurate answer not only because the paints we are using now are new and the effect will be know in 10-15 years time, but also because every type  of skin to be tattooed is different.

Q: How does the process of tattoo happen?
A: If you have already decided on the design as well as the price you  either immediately start with the process of tattooing or  arrange an appointment. At the arrangement you are asked for the ID or passport. If a juvenile is in question, then health security card or the ID of the parent  have to be provided. The juvenile should be accompanied by a parent.

By the time the client come at the arranged time, the artist, the tattoo master, will already have prepared the design  of your tattoo, where he/she has already worked on the perfection of  the details by your taste and wish. If you make an agreement on the design, the artist  cleans the area on your skin to be tattooed or if it is necessary the area is shaved and dressed with copying soap which is a special soap. Then the artist takes the  tracing paper where the picture is designed on  and puts it on your skin. After removing the tracing paper  the designed profile   appears on your skin, which means the design has been copied. A mirror is  given to you in order to  check whether you like the place of the tattoo or you want to change it. As soon as you agree on the place of your tattoo the artist  starts preparing the room i.e. the equipment needed for the process itself Afterwards, the artist  fills in all the disposable tubes  with paints needed for the process of tattooing and  prepares the tattoo machine i.e. sterile disposable needle ( it is very important for the needle to be unpacked in front of you ). Apparently you will feel the greatest excitement in the world, you will feel your adrenaline running through your veins. Therefore do not forget: You should feel free and easy. You sit on the chair and it just happens. You have already entered the world of weird magic, the world of tattoos, you hear the machine working and then the artist  tells you that he is ready to begin his work.  Now the artist  dips the needle into the paint and starts to work on the tattoo profile. Remember, every movement of yours  leads to a mistake made by the artist, therefore, IF YOU WANT TO MOVE ask the artist first. Some people do talk to the artist for the whole time in order not to think of the process of tattooing. It is possible that some artists do not respond to you as they want to concentrate hard on their work which depends on him/her as well as their reputation. As some people cannot stand sitting still for an hour the best thing is to ask the artist for a break.

As soon as the tattoo is completed the artist  takes a mirror and shows the tattoo to you. Next, the artist  dresses it with pentanol ointment and cover it with special  
sterile gauze  which will not dry the tattoo or stick on it. Having done this, the artist  explains to you how to take care of your tattoo after the process of tattooing.

Q: How do you take care of tattoos?
A: The tattoo is one of the most dynamic symbols in expressing one personality. Hence, it is  important to rely on the advice told by  masters in order to provide the best care of your tattoo and prolong  its life. The looks of the tattoo depends on the care you provide during the first several days. Keep the tattoo covered with gauze for two days, after that take it off very slowly. If the gauze is stuck to your skin do not get anxious, but put some COLD water over it, not warm, not lukewarm water, and slowly try to remove the gauze. If it still  sticks to your skin, continue by watering until it becomes easy to remove. Afterwards, wash your tattoo thoroughly with a medical soap ( do not scratch or rub ). Anything left on the surface should be washed up well and gently and rinsed  out  without leaving any traces of the soap.

*DO NOT apply Vaseline, Hydrocyclin or Paraffin (All these products contain component which  becomes stiff and closes the pores by which the healing process is slowed down and becomes more difficult, and a component  which makes the colors fade).

*DO NOT apply any alcohol as it dries up the skin.

*DO NOT rub or itch the tattoo. With clean hands apply thin layer of Tattoo Goo or Tattoo Solution or gentamicine  ointment during the first 24 hours, and after that a thin layer of Jekoderm or Jekovit ointment should be applied. The most important thing is not to let the skin dries up. Continue by spreading the ointment onto the tattoo until it stops peeling.

*DO NOT cover the tattoo as it needs breathing, which means it should be smeared with thin layer of ointment, otherwise the process of healing will be prolonged. By covering it you might close the pores and cause skin cracking i.e. tattoo cracking, where small wound might appear which  remains visible after healing process. Remember: DO NOT leave it dry up even if it means you have to smear it with ointment 10 times a day.

*The tattoo will make a layer of dried skin and you should let it fall off by itself.
-do not scratch the tattoo
-do not expose it to sun under any circumstances
-do not swim (go for a swim in dirty waters: -lake, river, sea and swimming pool)
for a week.
-do not stay in baths, Jacuzzi or sauna for too long.

Q: Can one get an infection while tattooing?  
A: There are untold numbers of myths and stories about tattoos and tattooing within different cultures, races and religions. If we look back into the past, we will realize that there are no peoples who in their history did not have anything connected with
tattooing. Thus, today an interest in tattooing is getting bigger and entails lots of questions as well as “advice” which originates from many sources. Many people take the second-hand advice, and maybe you are the one of those who have heard a lot of “facts” concerning tattooing as well as occurrence of possible problems and  infections. Now,  my task is to help and explain the connection between tattooing, diseases and infections. From this point of view, you, my respected readers, do not know lots of things connected with infections i.e. whether you are to be worried at all or only if you find yourself in the procedure of corporeal liquids flow out of your body. Not only tattoo procedures are in question, but also body piercing, taking blood test, surgical treatment, even the treatments at your doctor or dentist.

The greatest concern represents Hepatitis (type B and C) and HIV, and more than 20 other different kinds of diseases which can be transmitted because of lack of attention or carelessness (syphilis, tuberculosis malaria etc.) Lots of things should go wrong for an infection to appear. First of all, you should have been exposed to virus while it was still alive. Second, there should be a way in your body such as cracked skin, sexual contact, being given an injection or any other process where the integrity of your body was endangered.

The greatest interest is aroused by HIV i.e. AIDS. Although this virus is “clever” i.e. attacks the immune system and the body can not fight against , the usual question being asked is whether clients and artists themselves could be infected when someone else who had been previously tattooed  appeared to be virus carrier, the answer is NO. In order AIDS  to be transmitted  a certain amount of blood ( i.e. where virus exist) is needed (at least 0.01 ml = 2 drops). Having tattoo made at the professional Studio means no bleeding, just lymph which dries up  quickly. Consequently, the virus can not survive in it. The world scale estimation of getting this virus is 1:200 x 250  i.e.
1 : 50,000; Thus, considering the new and advanced standards in having  tattoos made, one professional cannot and must not make a mistake inasmuch as after each process of tattooing the already used needles are disposed, and a new disposable sterile needle is used for the next client. Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B type is one of the easiest transmitted viruses , i.e. through fluid exchange. In order to prevent  transmission of this virus, not only medical standards and regulation of protection should be followed, but each tattoo master should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B type virus also. Other preventions are: wearing surgical gloves for one use only, sterilization of tubes and needles in dry or autoclave sterilizer and not boiling them in water or using ultrasound or ultraviolet beam sterilizer.

REMEMBER:  Do not hesitate and be free to ask if the needles are disposable i.e. if the new needles are sterile. All this is for your own safety and protection as Hepatitis is much more dangerous virus than HIV. There are two reasons, though. First: It is very difficult to “kill” Hepatitis virus which makes spores that can live independently and out of your body for several weeks. Spores can only be killed by the process of sterilization in dry sterilizer at the temperature of 1800  in one hour or by autoclave at
the temperature of 1200  in 30 minutes. The autoclave is better since it creates pressure in the chamber and the virus dies quickly. It is not important to know exactly how long these viruses live; our aim is to suppose that everything is sterile and clean and measures of prevention are taken against virus  transmission. Universal means of precautions warn us to be careful during the process of tattooing and body piercing i.e. everything can be an eventual source of infection.  
Tattoo masters must be very careful when viruses are in question as they can be very dangerous assuming he/she jabs with the needle while tattooing, especially if the tattoo masters have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus. In such cases the tattoo masters threaten to be infected by Hepatitis. According to international statistics each fifth tattoo master is infected by Hepatitis owing to the lack of attention, so be careful. Hepatitis is widely spread in Macedonia due to a great number of drug addicts. Even clients ought to be extremely careful and each Hepatitis carrier who wants to have a tattoo made must tell the tattoo master about the disease so that a special attention is paid to him/her.

REMEMBER, every single tattoo needle needs to be new and sterile, the tattoo master have to be vaccinated against Hepatitis virus and should wear gloves. In this way, clients will not face any problems. Tubes should be taken into consideration as well, as they are sterilized before being used and before the process of sterilization takes place they need to be cleaned in the ultrasound tub. However, you should be acquainted with all these points before you decide to have a tattoo and you should feel free to ask the tattoo master everything you want to know. He/She is there for you to help you and explain the process of tattooing. If the tattoo master can not give a satisfactory explanation we advise you not to go to that tattoo “master”.

Now, as you are more informed about the viruses, let us go back to our question: tattooing and infections. You are at the Tattoo Studio and are ready to have a tattoo made or body piercing . The only way to be infected, is if you make a contact with infected blood or corporeal fluids, but if that particular Studio you have chosen, uses UNIVERSAL  MEANS  OF  PROTECTION the only corporeal fluids you make contact with, are yours. Thus, if you are not exposed to somebody else’s corporeal fluids  the chances to be infected are equal to zero.

The only Tattoo Studio in Macedonia which guarantees absolute safety, high quality and complete success is the “SKIN ART” Tattoo Studio, i.e. Igor Mehandzijski, an active member of an International Association “Alliance of Professional Tattooists” which supervises and educates people who practice this kind of work, and at the same time guarantees that all the Alliance members work according to its Book of Regulations.  Therefore when entering one Studio, do not hesitate to ask questions referring to the tattoo masters` education and if he/she knows how to protect you from being infected by some diseases.

The purpose of this text is not to answer questions but to make it clear that tattooing is not only “I have the best tattoo equipment, I owe a Studio and I am the best tattoo master ever”, but it is more than that.

Let this text be a good initiative for you to find a good tattoo master who knows what is doing and why  is doing that!

Q: How do you sterilize the equipment?
A: A sterilizer is used. (dry-sterilizer and autoclave-sterilizer). Sterilization is obligatory although needles and other material are used once only). Ultrasound tub and ultraviolet sterilizer are not used for  sterilizing tattoo equipment and of course boiling the tattoo tools in some pots is not much of a guarantee. Be very careful as the process of sterilization is the greatest guarantee for your safety while tattooing. Some artists use sterilizer just before the process of tattooing takes place, but remember sterilization is a process which lasts for one hour depending on the type of the sterilizer in the Studio. Do not allow to be cheated by the tattooists that there are some liquids which sterilize or that sterilization lasts for 10 minutes only. This is simply not true. Sterilizer  in the possession of “SKIN ART” Tattoo Studio is digital and the equipment is being sterilized for approximately 30 minutes. i.e. the process of sterilization lasts for 3.5 min. and then  preparation of the equipment follows.

Q: Can I have a tattoo made over a scar?
A: Yes, although some issues have to be reconsidered when you decide to have a tattoo made. First of all, the scar should be two years old since two years is enough period of time for the scar to heal and regenerate completely. Secondly, the best way to cover a scar is to have a tattoo made with shadows. Not because the tattoo in color or black would not cover it; the scar will be covered, but one distinguishing line might appear which is not the aim of the process of covering. When you work with shadows (e.g. wings in shade) the shadow drags the attention off the scar and it can not be noticed. Finally, the scar might not accept the tattoo paint  unlike any normal skin and you might have to come to the Studio once again in order to have another filling of the tattoo so that the scar can be covered completely. “SKIN ART” Tattoo Studio guarantees covering of any kind of scars. We have been doing it for a long time and it does not make  any problem to us.

Q: Can I have a tattoo made in white only?
A: Yes. Certainly, but under one condition only: if the skin complexion is light. It will just be a slight contrast and the tattoo will hardly be visible. If you want to have better effect I would say-Why not! But what is the point of wasting money and coming through the process of healing for a tattoo which in time can scarcely be noticed?  However, if your skin complexion is darker, then the white will soon be covered  with the pigment of your skin. The white is more noticeable when there is another color in the tattoo. Consequently, the best thing is,  to combine white at least with a shadow if you do not like any other color.

Q: Do you make tattoos which glow in the dark?
A: No, and there are no such tattoos. The most attractive style of fluorescence tattoo which can attain similar effect is when using fluorescence neon light on fluorescence tattoo.

Q: I have dark skin? Can I have a tattoo made in color?
A: Certainly that you can have a tattoo made in color, but some colors will be pale. We all have different kind of skin and different skin complexion. Actually, a tattoo in color on dark skin looks fantastically for the first two or three weeks, after that, a new layer appears on your skin. Actually it is a pigment of your new recovered skin, which in time becomes tough and your skin becomes less visible. Blue and purple tones will look lifeless, while white and yellow might lose color even more, Colors mixed with white can barely be noticed and the effects on the skin might be minimal. If your skin is very dark, the best solution for your tattoo is to use black and red color. The red color, by its look, can not be same as  it is in the bottle but the change in tone depends on your skin. In such cases the price will not be any problem.

Q: Can a nursing mother or a pregnant woman have a tattoo made?
A: It is not recommended for a nursing or pregnant woman to have a tattoo made. It is very unusual for a woman who is bearing a child or while breastfeeding to have a tattoo made. The problem may arise in the quality of the tattoo.  While a woman is pregnant, her body works overtime and the process of healing  takes longer which might result in a pale tattoo. Lots of women become fatter while pregnant and after delivery they lose their extra weight. Tattoos then become stretched. While breastfeeding, the body of  a nursing mother produces antibodies to be carried onto the baby.  Thus, if she decides to have a tattoo made while breastfeeding,  because of the great number of the antibodies produced, the process of healing will be slowed down   and the tattoo itself might be nothing but a sallow one. THEREFORE,  if you  want to have a tattoo made, wait for the baby to be born and finish with breastfeeding first. Nevertheless, if you have decided to have a tattoo made after all, you should consult your doctor and the tattoo master as well.

Q: Is there any medical condition which could  prevent me of having a tattoo made?
A: If you are HIV positive and your blood is infected by AIDS or Hepatitis, you are obliged to inform the tattoo artist. If you suffer from hemophilia you must not have a tattoo made under any circumstances. Diseases such as: diabetes, epilepsy or some heart diseases, are not to be neglected so if you suffer from any of the fore mentioned diseases you should consult your tattoo master.

Q: How do you sterilize  the equipment?
A:  A sterilizer is used (dry-sterilizer and autoclave – sterilizer) A sterilization is obligatory although needles  and other material are used only once. Ultrasound tub and ultraviolet sterilizer are not used for sterilizing tattoo equipment and of course
boiling the tattoo tools in some pots is not much of a guarantee. Be very careful as the process of sterilization is the greatest guarantee for your safety while tattooing.

Q: Is the Studio safe and sanitary clean?  
A: In some countries body piercing is regulated by the law, while in some, as it is in our country, not. But we try hard and do our best to keep up with those countries. Although all Studios try to provide clean and sanitary healthy environment, some do not take proper measures of precautions against infections and other health hazard dangers.

If you have decided to have a body piercing, be a little bit of a detective and investigate the procedure of tattooing, what one Studio offers and how  protection is provided with different Studios. Most important of all is that all Studios should have autoclave sterilizer and the instruments  should be sterilized, if there is anything you do not understand then ask questions and look around the Studio: for instance

*if the Studio is clean
*if the body piercing master wears gloves for one use only
*if the instruments he/she uses are sterilized
*make sure that for the process of body piercing the body piercing master does not use piercing gun.
*if the needle is sterile or just being unpacked
*if the needle is thrown into the bin immediately after the use, especially if it is canella.

It is recommended to ask  what kind of body piercing material  the Studio uses, as there are some people who are allergic to certain types of metals. Therefore, before you have body piercing made be sure you are not allergic to wearing specific type of metal. Metals which do not contain toxic components and can be used for body piercing are:

*surgical metal ( stainless steel)
*14 or 18 carat gold
*niobium
*titanium
*platinum

If the Studio has not responded the questions satisfactory, the best idea is to go to another Studio which would meet and satisfy all the standards required.

Q: How could you protect from body piercing side effects?   
A: The process of protection  is not so difficult, as there is no need of  keep watching over body piercing, and there will be no worries if you clean it regularly as advised by the artist.

1. Do not use Alcohol or Peroxide for cleaning the area. (they dry your skin) Remember  not to put “any” kind of pierce but titanium explicitly since Betadine  erodes metal.

2. After the process of body piercing protect the area well because you might hit it or  scratch it which will result in possible consequences.

3. The area being pierced should be protected from contact with other people’s skins, any kind of liquids which are not recommended (it is forbidden to have oral sex if you have pierced made on any part of your lips or tongue).    

4. All objects which will come in touch with the area pierced, should be clean or be cleaned ( for instance if you have your ear pierced be sure your telephone receiver is clean, if you have your eyebrow pierced be careful your sunglasses not to be in touch with some dirty or infectious place, if you want to put some make up and you have piercing made somewhere on your face cover that area with plaster and then put the make up).

5. Jeans might cause allergy if you have your belly pierced so clothes made of linen  are recommended during the first week (cotton clothes are the best).

6. If you have your belly pierced do not wear anything around it (belt, scarves, chains etc)   

7. The piercing, wherever it is, should not be covered with anything while the process of healing, except a minute or two unless you have to protect if before cleaning etc. the air will help and make the process of healing faster.

8. Check the piercing every day if it has become loosed, or changed color by any chance. Special attention should be paid to tongue piercing in case you  swallow the piercing ball or break a tooth.

9. Do not wash in the swimming pools or any public places while the piercing is still new.

10. Tongue piercing should be carefully clean after each meal and drink.

11. Do not use your previous  toothbrush , use new one as it is more hygienic.

12. Visit your dentist after having your tongue pierced in order to prevent your teeth of getting dark. In that case you should change the metal if it does not correspond.

13. Eat healthy food full of vitamins. Vitamins will help in recovering the skin.

14. Pay attention to infection signs and if you notice anything  suspicious go to the Studio you have your body piercing made – e.g. redness, swelling, bad smell of skin, whiteness around the pierce, skin warmth, or temperature.
15.  If you think you have an infection  do not try to play a doctor of yourself but visit a doctor, still the best idea is to go to the Studio you have your body piercing made or go to some other tattoo master.

Q: Problems which could emerge if you have your tongue pierced?
A: Tongue pierces, especially studs are very strong, hard and some of them are too big so that they can cause a crack in your teeth  or a crown can  break off. Because a mouth is a source of  lots of bacteria, an antibiotic should be taken (of course you ought to consult your dentist) and if you take any antibiotics for decayed teeth or some  process that is going on in your mouth, the best thing is to wait with tongue piercing.

If  swelling appears cold drinks or ice should be used. Since the tongue looks and its size  changes be careful with the food and the way you move your tongue  in case you
swallow the stud. At first you might have an uncoordinated feeling  in your mouth but it will soon disappear. Use new toothbrush, soft if possible.

Q: Do you have in mind  the hygiene of the  Tattoo Studio you have decided on?
A: Types of tattooist  ( they can not be called otherwise) here and today, tomorrow somewhere else, or some domestic tattoo masters (obviously beginners) are so many in number so that  you should be afraid of them. To have a place of your own (shop) where you can work is an inevitable fact of clean and sterile completed service. Actually, it raises a feeling of stability, security which encourages people to rely on  and trust you.

Proper service  is possible only in hygienic and sterile conditions, airy room easy to be cleaned and disinfected, proper working surface, bed, chair which all together make ideal for keeping it clean and airy.

Ideal Tattoo Studio consists of three or four separate rooms: waiting room, (the largest one where tattoo is chosen) , working area (divided into two sectors: first, preparation room, where the tattoo machines and other equipment are  sterilized, and the other room where the process of tattooing takes place) and the last one; bathroom. The most important thing is;  the two first rooms to be airy and all rooms between, to be separated, even the first sector to be separated by screen or be as separated area by wall.

If you have decided to have a tattoo made, make a quest about the procedure, what is offered and how some Studios provide safety. What most matters is that every Studio should have autoclave sterilizer and the instrument should be sterilized. If there is something you do  not understand go round the Studio and ask questions such as:

*if the Studio is clean
*If the tattoo master wears gloves for one use only
*if the instruments used are sterilized
*make sure that original and not-health hazard paints are used
*if the needle used is sterile and just being unpacked
*if the needle is thrown into the bin immediately after use

There is no excuse for working in filthy area, no excuse for infections, no matter who responsible  it is for. The tattoo master must keep the space  sterile and at the same time explain his/her client how to keep the tattoo clean and how to take care of it while healing.