FAQ's

SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y.

"THE CLEANEST & MOST STERILE STUDIO IN NORTHERN NEW YORK"

FAQ's

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have questions not found here, please email us and we will answer them for you.

1. DOES IT HURT?

Of course it hurts! The unique thing is that every individual tolerates pain differently. In actuality, it's not as painful as some would have you believe. During the tattooing process, the body releases endorphins ( a natural pain killer ) which dulls the pain. In most cases you will find the sound of the gun more irritating than the actual pain itself. Please be aware that advertisements for "Pain Free" Tattoos are completely misleading. There is NO such thing as a Pain Free Tattoo. The sprays and ointments currently on the market that are used for this purpose only last a short time once they are applied to the skin. Once they wear off, the pain is worse than if you had never had it applied to begin with. The only Pain Free Tattoos you will find are the Childrens Washable Temporary Tattoos found in stores and machines.

2. WHAT ARE THE MOST PAINFUL AREAS?

Each person is different in this aspect. Areas like the center of the back along or over the backbone, ankles, armpits, groin, and side of the upper body are usually more painful.

NOTE: Drugs and alcohol DO NOT lessen the pain..... in most cases it will intensify the sensation. Alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and drugs of this nature thin the blood and cause excess bleeding during the tattooing process. Excess bleeding can cause the loss of ink which affects the way your tattoo will look.

3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The most significant factors are: Size .... Detail ..... Number of Colors. If the piece can be done in one session, you will be charged a flat fee for the piece. If the piece will require multiple sessions, you will be required to pay a specific fee per each session which will be determined by the artist. Our prices are very reasonable and our work speaks for itself. Our minimum is $55.00. Our hourly rate for large pieces is only $95.00.

4. CAN I GET AIDS, HEPATITIS OR OTHER INFECTIONS?

If the Studio and Artist do not use sterilized equipment and single use supplies, then yes, you are open to many different infections and diseases. Needles, tubes, inks and all other supplies that come in contact with blood MUST be single use and disposed of immediately after the tattoo is finished to avoid the risk of infection. Even bandages should be individually packaged & sealed at the factory. Saran wrap or paper towels are not sterile or safe from having infectious bacteria. Everything we do here is under the most sterile conditions possible and only with pre-packaged, pre-sterilized supplies and single use needles. EVERYTHING is disposed of once a tattoo is completed.

5. IS THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION THAT WILL PREVENT ME FROM GETTING A TATTOO?

If you have a blood borne contagious disease such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis Strains, you are obligated to inform your Artist. If you have Hemophilia or are pregnant, you cannot get a tattoo. If you have any medical condition such as Diabetes, epilepsy or a heart condition, it is wise to inform your artist in advance.

6. WILL MY TATTOO FADE?

Improper after-care, Tanning and age of the tattoo are the most common reasons for fading or loss of color. Refer to our After-Care Instructions sections for information on proper care of your tattoo.

7. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BEFORE I GET MY TATTOO?

There are several things you can do:

a. Eat something before you come in. b. Don't drink alcohol or take any drugs. c. Don't come in with a hang-over. d. If you normally bleed alot when cut, eat jello for a few days before and the day of getting your tattoo. Jello helps coagulate the blood, so you will bleed less. e. Take a shower and be well rested.

8. I HAVE DARK SKIN.....CAN I GET COLORS?

Yes, you can get color but some colors will look off-color or may not show up with darker skin.

9. CAN YOU FIX OR COVER MY OLD TATTOO?

Some tattoos can be fixed and some cannot. Depending upon the design, most tattoos can be covered with a design prepared specifically for that purpose. Some Artists will charge additional for that service. We rarely ever charge for custom designs on cover-ups and we have done many of them and have had excellent success.

10. CAN MY TATTOO BE REMOVED?

Until recently Tattoo Removal has been extremely costly. Laser Surgery averages about $1000 per session and it usually requires up to 7 or 8 sessions depending upon the size of the tattoo. Another drawback of Laser Surgery is that it usually leaves unsightly scars. We now have a new process of removing tattoos which is considerably less costly ( $250.00 per session) and usually only requires a few sessions at most, depending upon how old and deep the tattoo is. The advantage of this process is that in most cases, the result is very little or no scarring if the proper aftercare procedures are followed. A full consultation is available upon request.

11. WHAT IS THE MILITARY'S VIEW ON TATTOOS?

Army Tattoo Policy: "Visible tattoos or brands on the face or head are prohibited. Tattoos on other areas of the body that are prejudicial to good order and discipline are prohibited. Additionally, any type of tattoo or brand that is visible while wearing a Class A uniform and detracts from a soldierly appearance is prohibited." (AR 670-1) This pretty much holds true with most branches of the Military.

RETIRED MILITARY OWNED & OPERATED