For my Tatooed Brethren...

[PeteNYNJ]

so I got my first, a military star in blue and skin (blue, then skin, the blue - you get the pic)


The scar is quite nasty - is this normal?  I did EVERTHING the aftercare said to do.

Pete (who is a bit of a worrywort)

[bryonut]

What do you mean by scar? I have my fair share of tattoos and hopefully can add some insight.

bry

[PeteNYNJ]

All the blue part have evenly raised scars.....they are flaking off and leaving a lighter blue

[Basquo]

When did you get it?

[PeteNYNJ]

one week

was gonna post but  I cant do it right so can you guys go look at it on my blog

http://ifucingrule.blogspot.com/

[Basquo]

Solid color is going to flare up more than lines, and the experience is different for everyone.  The redness should be going away after a week, but might last longer. Just keep following the directions, keep it moist, don't rub or scrub or soak.

As for nasty, the Eye of Horus on my shoulder blade used to swell up when I was extremely drunk--a sure sign--and it did that for 15 years.  But it looks fabulous even today.

You'll heal fine.

[bryonut]

yeah, what Basquo said.

Check your PM as well.

bry

[PeteNYNJ]

thanks guys...sorry to be a pest

[mjmel]

Oh, Pete! Loved the "dramatic chipmunk" in your blog. Played it over and.........lol. Cute.

Tattoo: Looks fine to me. Looks like it's going to the process of healing. Different bodies; different healing rates.

Mike

[holden]

Look's good to me, I have three myself. They can be addicting, tho.
Clean and moist and you will be fine!

[BT65]

I'm sure you'll heal fine Pete.  I have eight tattoos myself.  I am curious how you were able to get someone to tattoo you as most artists around here won't when someone has HIV.

[HealthyMomma]

I have 4 tats...looks ok to me! Keep sticking A&D ointment on it a little longer till it stops flaking then I usually rub lotion on them everyday to keep the skin soft and the color nice and bright.

[PeteNYNJ]

Bettytacy-

I got mine done in the West Village in NYC.  I told him upfront and he said no problem.  They should be using universal precautions anyway and if they aren't then get the heck out of there.   

I didn't need to tell, did so as a courtesy and also they will be more careful ensuring a nicer finished product

[BT65]

Figures it was done in New York.  Around here in Indiana, it's so right-wing that someone would probably faint if they were a tattoo artist and someone told them they were poz.  Of course, I haven't checked out all the tattoo studios here, so I can't speak for everyone.  It was a question on the form I filled out the last time I got tattoo'd. 
   Universal precautions should be used, I agree.  And I also agree that if someone is a good artist, there shouldn't be any risk.  But some people think there is, like if the needle slips and accidentally inject into the person doing the tattooing.  I don't really buy that logic, as if one is a successful artist, they should have a steady hand.  Oh well, I'll just keep wishing.