FAQ
If you dont see the question you have below
feel free to call or email at 541-386-4653 or
undertheskin@gorge.net
Q: Do Tattoos hurt?
A: You bet it hurts. Not as much as you think and definitely not as much as some would like you to believe. Yes, some areas are more tender than others, but the
discomfort is manageable if you're getting what you really want, where you really want it.
Q: Whats the best time of year to get a tattoo?
A: Although you can get a tattoo anytime of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Fall and winter are really the best seasons to get a tattoo.
Q: How do I know if proper standards are being followed?
First, look around. Is the studio clean and professional looking? Appearances can tell you a lot. Then, ask questions.
A: A professional studio takes pride in its safe tattooing procedures and won't mind answering your concerns.
Q: What is the risk of diseases from a tattoo or piercing?
A: Getting a tattoo CAN BE COMPLETELY SAFE as thousands of people have tattoos applied each year. We are a professional tattoo studio implementing proper sterilization techniques. We use single service equipment. The artist or piercer will open fresh needles, tubes, forceps or jewelry in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used during your tattoo or piercing are discarded after use. The artist or piercer will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved tuberculocidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses. We use the same sterilization equipment as used in hospitals. We are inspected by the State Health Department on a regular basis. All of our tattoo artists and piercers are trained and certified in Blood Borne Pathogens and First-Aid.
Q: What do I do if I have a problem with my piercing or tattoo?
A: If you are having a problem with a tattoo, body piercing, or jewelry, come in and talk to a tattoo artist or piercer and show them what is going on. They can help you much better if they can actually see the problem you are experiencing.
A: Tattoo prices vary according to the size and tattoo designs. Of course, a larger and more complex design will cost more than a smaller, simpler one . Bring your design if you have one in mind and we will be able to quote you a price right then and there. But it is almost impossible to quote a tattoo over the phone, so please come in.
Q: I am under 18, can I get a tattoo or piercing if my parent signs?
A: In Oregon you can get a piercing while under 18, with parent consent, signature and being present, BUT you cannot get a tattoo in Oregon while under 18!
Q: Why do you recommend H2Ocean and sea salt soaks for piercing aftercare instead of the rubbing alcohol or peroxide?
A: First off, alcohols, well, they’re flammable! Furthermore Alcohols act by denaturing proteins, also, the Handbook on Nonprescription Drugs states ethyl alcohol “is not a desirable wound antiseptic because it irritates already damaged tissue.” As for Hydrogen Peroxide, here’s another quote, The National Safety Council’s 1996 First Aid Pocket Guide states: “DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide. It does not kill bacteria, and it adversely affects capillary blood flow and wound healing.”
H2Ocean, if used properly, can increase the circulation to the body piercing and accelerates the healing process. It can also help reduce lumps, scar tissue and itching. H2Ocean’s active ingredient is Lysozyme, which is also found in human bodily fluids to protect against airborne bacteria. Lysozyme is the body’s natural defense against bacteria and kills over 650 different types of “bad” bacteria, while leaving the “good” bacteria that are necessary for the growth and regeneration of cells.
H2Ocean is Under the skins preferred method of properly healing any body piercing. Sea Salt/Water Soaks may, reduce irritation, stimulate circulation, decrease healing time and stimulate the process of osmosis.
Q: I used to have my ____ pierced but it’s closed up, can I get it repierced? A: Not really as bad as you think. Our piercer (Christee) is highly trained & experienced with both piercings & relaxation techniques. Q: How long do piercings take to heal? A: Each area has its own unique healing period & process. Contact your piercer for general info. Q: How long before I can change my jewelry? A: Again, contact your piercer for general info. Rule of thumb, regardless of “average” healing times, when your piercing is no longer red, swollen, crusting, oozing or sore. Q: Do I have to start with surgical steel? A: No. We give you a variety to chose from that are safe for an initial piercing. Q: What are the Dont’s for piercings? A: Do not: Pick, Scratch, Spin, Play with, Drink alcohol, Clean with rubbing alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide or listen to your friends. Q: I think my piercing is infected, what do I do? A: Immediately go see your piercer. Although “infection”, its always better to be safe. A True infection consists of.. Severe redness, extremely tender, fever, brown/green pus. Q: How long should I wait between stretching? A: After a piercing is healed generally 3 weeks is enough healing time between stretching. Additionally, stretching one size at a time is optimal, but you can stretch two sizes at a time. Q: Why can’t/don’t you use the piercing gun; even for ears? A: A piercing gun inflicts blunt trauma for to the body which increases the chance for infection, excess scar tissue and an unpleasant healing time/process along with they can’t be properly sterilized. Professional/Knowledgeable piercers observe proper sterile procedures, single use needles and a specially designed sharp needle ( they are NOT the same as veterinary needles) which does not damage tissue.
A: Generally the answer is yes. Ideally you want to give the hole time to completely heal over and breakdown most of the scar tissue from the initial piercing. Massaging the area of the closed hole with lotion can often help the body breakdown the scar tissue. It is best to come in and have our piercer look at it to ascertain if you are ready to get repierced.
Q: How long do I have to wait before stretching a piercing to a bigger size?
A: With fresh piercings it is best to wait around 6 months before attempting to stretch to a bigger size. The amount of time between stretches should be between 6 and 8 weeks after the last stretching session. You want to give your piercing PLENTY of time to adjust to its new size before attempting another stretch. Stretching too soon can cause any number of problems, including but not limited to, tears in the skin, loss of vascularity (blood flow), thinning if the lobe and “blow-outs”. A “blow-out” is when the fistula (the tunnel of skin through a healed piercing is forced out the back of the piercing by the pressure. The result is an unsightly "lip" around the edge. If stretching continues, this lip can grow dramatically. This can be permanent.
Q: Do I have to make an appointment?
A: You dont have to, but we suggest it. We DO accept walkins, however even with several artists, sometimes they may all be busy. If you cant make an appointment we suggest calling first. we will serve you as soon as we can.
Q: Do piercings hurt?
