Tell me what to expect re: first tattoo

[TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael]

I am booked to have a tattoo this Saturday. It's going to be on my inner forearm between elbow and wrist. I've wanted one for a really long time (I'm 41!) but firstly have been put off because I am an absolute wimp (and I can't emphasise this enough ) with pain, and secondly because I couldn't decide on something I liked enough to have it on my body all the time! Well I've liked this particular design that I've chosen for well over a year now so I fucked it and booked it. Tell me what to expect!

I keep waking up thinking nope, i'm not going, i'm cancelling. Will I be the person who faints whilst someone next to me is having their eyeballs tattooed <cries>

Grateful for all and any advice. Also PHOTOS of your amazing tattoos!

I've got a couple of tattoos - some small ones I got almost 20 years ago on the top of my feet, they were pretty painful! An ankle one that wasn't too bad, and back/shoulder that was variable. I got a large colourful design of two magpies and cherry blossom on the back of my leg last year, done in one go over about 4-5 hours. It started out mostly okay; the key thing is if you find it painful, the sharp pain only lasts while the ink is being applied. Whenever they pause to dip in the ink, you get a breather. But after 4 hours or so my leg was really quite angry and going over the design for detail shading, it was hurting more and more. The artist used a lidocaine spray which was magic and made the last half hour feel fine, barely noticed anything!

I bought Tattoo Goo. It was recommended earlier in this thread by a tattoo artist!

Well I did it 😃

How was it? Hope it was not too bad! Looks lovely

It hurt, I won't lie but it was bearable and I have booked for my second 😃

Well done 🙂

How long did it take and what are you having next?

Looks mint OP, bravo 👏

I had my third yesterday! Be warned it’s addictive (needs a few touch ups)

I knew you'd book another one. must book mine soon.

That looks quite happy considering it's brand new. You must heal mint.

It's not too bad @gamerchick - DD2 had used all the clingfilm on her last one so it dried out a bit before I could get some more - but I do tend not to get to scabby!

It took just over an hour. Some bits (the lines) hurt more than I expected and some bits were virtually painless. The artist was fantastic and he told me I'd sat very well for a first timer 😇

Getting matching potion/spell bottles with daughter for second one. She's choosing, I'm paying. Weird deal no?! 🤣

Yay! Well done @TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael knew you'd be fine!

I can't stop looking at it 😃

It looks lovely op so pleased for you.

Thank you! I'm thrilled with it. Wish I hadn't stress sweated quite as much but hey ho 🤣🤣 I left quite the bum sweat patch when I stood up 🤦‍♀️😅

Is it normal that ink is sort of smooshing out under the cling film??

Yes, the wound is healing so some plasma/ blood will seep out. Perfectly natural. It looks like the tattoo is smudging but it really isn't!

My colleague tattoos himself. I've no idea how he does it. They are really good though!

Thank you!! I'm having a stress! My perfect line is currently a smoosh of ink and....plasma?!

How long were you told to leave it on for? Mine was only on for a few hours and then I had to wash it with soapy water and moisturise it.

I was always told to leave cling on until plasma stops leaking, so a couple of days at least.
change it daily, give it a good wash with antibacterial soap ideally, let air dry and wrap it back up.
when you get to the non leaky/wet phase continue to wash it morning and night and apply a very thin layer of your chosen moisturiser.

Here’s my aftercare sheet which has always healed mine perfectly if it helps:

before bed remove the cling film and give it a wash with warm water (make sure your hands are clean!!)
do not use any soaps - unless it’s non fragrances antibacterial soap (i.e dial) do not use shower gels when washing the fresh tattoo. Only use warm water and your finger tips to gently wash the tattoo do not use towels or anything abrasive to wash or dry the tattoo
make sure to remove all slim,sweat,ink and plasma when washing your tattoo
wrap the freshly cleaned tattoo up with cling film after washing, make sure it is wrapped up in clingfilm whilst you sleep
When wrapping back up do not put cream on the tattoo - you won’t need this for another two days.

DAY 1, 2 & 3

in the morning unwrap and wash again using same method as before

wrap the tattoo up again until the evening

unwrap the tattoo if it is no longer producing plasma wash again and let it air dry

DAY 4

in the evening apply a very thin layer of moisturiser when it is dry to the tattoo do this when ever the tattoo gets very dry do not cream any areas that are still leaky or wet!

It's funny how aftercare differs
I was never told to rewrap mine

I was given that advice about 3 years ago, but the more recent ones to wrap until plasma stops.
This is in line with the use of second skin which some artists will put on and ask you to keep on for 5 days or so. It’s a tried and tested method from burns victims I believe and the wound healing is all the same.

im more than happy with that method and all mine have healed with no touch ups required and no fading of colour.