How many times have you heard this one? This myth is so old and popular that it’s been considered the truth for a long time. But that couldn’t be further from reality. This prejudice arose from the perception that tattoo enthusiasts were “unhealthy” for choosing to have this art on their bodies. The only real precaution we should take is to wait approximately four months before being able to donate blood if you haven’t had any complications with your tattoo. Also, when donating blood with tattoos, it’s likely that the medical staff attending to you will ask when you got it at the time of donation.

 Another well-known myth is that color tattoos pose a health risk. That’s not true. What is somewhat true is that they might hurt a bit more. This is because of the technique used, as color typically comes after the lines and shading, which means the skin has already undergone some trauma by that point, giving the perception that color tattoos are more painful. When it comes to danger, what you should consider is the inks your tattoo artist uses. Cheap, low-quality inks could indeed cause short and medium-term problems. Always make sure your tattoo artist uses high-quality materials. Besides the risk of fake color ink, if you ever want to remove it, the process is much more complex than with black & grey tattoos, and the skin doesn’t always return to its original state. The hardest colors to remove are greens, light blues, yellows, oranges, reds, and fluorescents.

 Although most people who get tattoos don’t regret their decision and wouldn’t remove them, those with a piece that wasn’t what they wanted or no longer represents them can completely erase it. There are two options for this: laser tattoo removal, which is a costly but definitive process that doesn’t always guarantee a 100% restoration of the skin’s original state, as complete skin damage restoration isn’t always achieved with available light-based and laser treatments. In some cases, poor technique causes the needles to reach deep into the dermis or even the subcutaneous layer, making it harder for the skin to regain its natural look and texture after the removal process.

 The second option (and personally my favorite) is to do a cover-up. As the name suggests, this involves covering the old piece with a new, larger design to give new life to the art on your body. There are limitations to this technique, but it’s something your trusted artist can advise you on. But if your are looking to get a better looking tattoo, most artist will prefer several sessions of laser removal before working on a cover up. In extreme cases, your best option might be getting a Blackout. Not all tattoos are candidates to a cover up without laser and not all artist work on cover ups, but the ones that do, definitely have some skills. Our recommendation will always be, laser first then cover up. That’s why, when getting a tattoo, it’s essential to do so with confidence and be well-informed about your project.

Beyond your motivation for getting a tattoo, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to maximize safety and, although not very common, avoid adverse reactions. At Sedation Lounge for Body Art, our team of artists will help shape your project and provide you with the information you need so you don’t have to worry about any of the myths we’ve discussed today. You’re in the hands of the best professionals in the industry!