Tattoo and Piercing FAQ

Tattoo and Piercing FAQ

Tattoo FAQ

Yes.  But it’s completely manageable and we do have numbing cream available for extra sensitive areas.

You should avoid completely submerging you new tattoo until it completely heals.

It’s best to avoid excersise for a few days.  Sweat carries a lot of bacteria so you should wait until your body has created a natural barrier.

Artists charge an hourly rate of $160/hr to $200/hr with a minimum of $120 to $135 depending on the artist. If price is a concern or your tattoo is really small and/or simple, ask our staff and they will direct you to an artists with the more affordable rate.

All of our artists are trained in blood bord patogens, cross contamination, and starility procedures.

It depends. Sleeve tattoos could take longer to complete depending on the complexity of the design. Tattoo artists could charge between $170 to $200 per hour, and some even offer half-day and full-day rates. Therefore, it’s best to head over to your tattoo parlour for a consultation.

You are free to splash in the pool when your tattoo is completely peeled and looks healthy. This peeling process can take two to four weeks.

It depends entirely on the scar. Sometimes it is possible, while other times, the scar tissue is too tight to tattoo. Your tattoo artist will need to inspect your scar in a free consultation.

Yes, it is entirely normal for a tattoo to peel. After a tattoo, your body forms a dead layer of skin, similar to a thin scab. You mustn’t pick or peel this layer; it will come off on its own while you shower.

Forearm tattoos have a lot of muscle, thick skin and only a few nerve endings. Therefore, it’s one of the least painful places to get a tattoo, but all tattoos hurt a little. It mainly depends on the person’s pain tolerance.

Tattoos are a form of self-expression and should be a personal choice. At The Fall Tattooing, our artists can bring any idea to life. So, if you can think of it, we can tattoo it. Book a free consultation to chat with an artist.

Most of the time, tattoos will only leave you with minor discomfort, which you can treat with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Furthermore, it should only last for 3-7 days.

A scar is new tissue and therefore more sensitive, so it will most likely be more painful. How much more painful depends on the scar; if any nerves were damaged or compressed during the injury, it could result in extreme pain.

Yes, you may tattoo over stretch marks. However, it’s best to wait for them to settle entirely before getting the tattoo. It’s similar to scar tissue. 

No. Vaseline keeps air out and bacteria in, putting you at risk of infection and scarring. Your tattoo needs to breathe. Therefore, it’s best to avoid petroleum products at all costs. 

It depends, as some areas hurt more than others. The general rule is that the further away from bone and nerve endings you are, the less painful it will be. Although, being ticklish seems to make it worse.

You only need to keep your tattoo covered for 3 to 4 hours. However, you must wash your tattoo with unscented soap the moment you remove the cling film. In addition, your tattoo artist may suggest leaving the cling film on for longer, depending on the size and style of the tattoo.

Yes, you may shower after getting a tattoo. However, it’s best to keep shampoo and conditioner off the tattoo and only wash it using mild unscented soap.

Yes, you can add colour to a black and gray tattoo. You can book a free consultation at The Fall Tattooing to discuss your options with our professional tattoo artists.

Yes, you can. The more you remove, the easier it becomes to cover up the previous tattoo. However, artists can cover up some tattoos without removing them first. It would be wise to discuss your options with your tattoo artist first.

No, it’s better not to tattoo over moles as you risk them splitting and bleeding. In addition, it makes it more difficult to spot any suspicious activity by the mole and could even increase the risk of it evolving into metastatic melanoma. So, avoid tattooing over a mole at all costs.

No. Your skin should be healthy when getting a tattoo. Therefore, it’s better to wait for injuries to become scars before tattooing over them.

If your artist uses second skin, ultra derm, or any other breathable wound covering, you should leave it on for at least four days. These bandages are great for healing a tattoo, especially if you have difficulty keeping your tattoo clean because of your work. In addition, you can even shower with it on. The best way to remove the film is in the shower and to pull slowly.

If you suspect your tattoo is starting to get infected, you may use a small amount of Polysporin, spread thinly by clean or gloved hands. However, you should never apply Polysporin to a new tattoo. If in doubt, contact your tattoo artist. 

You can pick up a pack at The Fall Tattooing in Vancouver. Our Dr. Numb is 5% lidocaine.

It’s better to avoid getting a tattoo while pregnant. At The Fall Tattooing, we wouldn’t tattoo a pregnant person, as their body should focus on building a new person instead of healing a tattoo. Also, it’s best to avoid adding any strain to the body.

Yes, it does. There should be clear instructions on the product. At The Fall Tattooing, all our saline solutions are sterile and will only start to expire when opened. 

You must be 18 years or older

We do not tattoo minors. You must be 18 years old to get tattooed at The FALL

In simple terms, an artist injects ink into the skin using a machine. This machine has needles that deliver thousands of ink injections per minute. These ink injections allow the tattoo artist to create images, designs, and masterpieces using black, gray, and various colours.

After receiving your body art, it will take around 3 to 6 weeks for the outer layer of skin to heal. However, the skin under your tattoo may take as long as 6 months to recover fully. 

The best would be to lightly moisturize it using a non-scented and alcohol-free lotion. Don’t pick or scratch the tattoo as this could cause infection.

It depends. Some people describe it as a scratching or pricking sensation, with some minor discomfort or pain. Others say it is more painful and can feel like a bee sting. However, it all depends on the area. The general rule is that it will hurt more if the area doesn’t usually see the sun.

It is essential to stay hydrated and eat food before your appointment, as you will burn through sugar and endorphins quickly. It may also help moisturize the area and stay away from medication and drugs before the session.

Piercing FAQ

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Cartridge/gun systems cannot be sterilized appropriately, they use inappropriate jewellery and are less accurate in terms of placement. We use single use needles and implant grade steel/titanium/and gold jewellery.

Prices vary depending on your preference but it starts at $35 and goes up from there depending on material and what gems you want, if any.

Our prices are listed on our Piercing services and prices page

The initial jewelry used in a piercing will compensate for inflammation.  This will give you body all the room it needs to heal properly as well as give you room to clean it thoroughly during the healing process. Once your piercing is healed you can replace the stud part of your jewelry, often keeping the end pieces.

Healing times will vary based on the individual as well as the type of piercing but generally speaking, 6-8 weeks to completely heal.

Two or three times a day, everyday!

Healing can take from three weeks to three months.  It depends on the type of piercing, ask our piercers.

Clean your new piercing with sterile saline spray in a fine mist aerosol can.  We like NeilMed Piercing Aftercare and clean water.  Use warm water in the shower to do most of the work!  Let it soften and remove any debris.

Allow your new piercing to air dry or very gently dry with sterile gauze.  Or at very least, a new disposable paper towel.

For most piercings, you are allowed to get them from 16 years old onward. However, for genital, nipple or tongue piercings, you must be 18 or older.

Overall it depends on where in your ear your get pierced. Simple earlobe piercings could take 2-3 months to heal fully. For piercings through the side cartilage of your ear, you can expect a longer healing time of 4-12 months.

At the ultimate tattoo and piercing parlour in Vancouver, The Fall Tattooing, your nose piercing will cost a mere $40 for the service, and then the cost of your jewellery starts at $40 as well.

Yes, you will experience some pain when getting a nose piercing, but only for a brief moment. You can also expect a little blood, swelling, or tenderness in the beginning. Some people’s eyes may even water.

It will go away with time, so be patient. But, applying cold saline to the area could also help to speed up the process.

A belly button piercing typically takes between 8-10 months to heal fully. Although, it could take as long as 1 year, so be sure to keep the area bacteria-free to prevent an infection.

A nose piercing typically takes between 4-6 months to recover fully. However, for the first 3 weeks, it may still be sore, red, and tender if that is your concern.

Use a fine saline spray to clean your piercing and prevent infection, we suggest Neil med fine mist spray, sterile. Afterward, gently dry the piercing using a disposable paper towel or tissue. It’s better not to use a cloth as they might be carrying germs or hooking onto the jewelry.

Yes, you will need to provide a photo ID and fill out a waiver form. If you are under the age of consent, your parent or legal guardian will have to provide ID as well. Please be prepared.

Cosmetic Tattoo FAQ

Cosmetic Tattooing or Micro pigmentation also referred to as semi permanent make-up is a process where natural inorganic pigments are implanted beneath the epidermis (top layer of skin), into the dermal layer (second layer of skin), by needle. Semi permanent cosmetics are a safe and natural-looking alternative to the expense and daily routine of applying makeup. Cosmetic Tattooing Procedures include microblading, powder-fill brows, ombre brows, eyeliner, eyelash enhancement, lips, and freckles. Eyebrows and Freckles last up to 2 years while lips, eyeliner, and lash enhancement can last 3-5 years. When properly applied by an experienced technician, micro pigmentation will be more natural and realistic in appearance compared to makeup. The pigments we use from Biotouch are designed to fade with time and to not change to any drastic colours.

Microblading is a method of cosmetic tattooing using a manual hand tool. It is done using a grouping of fine needles to create a “blade” to deposit pigments into the epidermis (second layer of skin) and creating realistic looking hair strokes. Eyebrow Embroidery & 3D Feather Hair Stroke methods are all forms of Microblading. It is considered to be semi-permanent. This method is ideal for anyone wanting to enhance the look of his or her eyebrows. People suffering from alopecia, or other conditions that causes hair loss benefit greatly from Microblading, as well as people who have lighter hair or dislike having to draw them in every day. After the consultation, the new brow shape is measured multiple times, with the final outline then penciled on when the client and technician are happy. From there, the area is numbed, and then the pigment is implanted into the skin with manual tool. These strokes are feathered into the new brow shape, and the area gradually made denser with lots of tiny hair strokes, depending on the desired result. Initially, the brows appear darker, but fade significantly over a two-week period. It is very important to have a touch up at 6-8 weeks, as it is very difficult to predict how well the skin will retain the pigment. A touch up once a year to a year and a half is recommended to keep the brows looking fresh.

Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattooing uses pigments. Pigments are designed to fade over time while ink is not. The fading is important because as it allows the artist to make changes to shape and colour over the years as client’s features and styles change with time.

A topical aesthetic cream of 5% Lidocain is used before, and a gel is used during your procedure. Pain sensitivity is different for every person, but for most people it is minimal pain. Lips and Eyes are usually much more sensitive than eyebrows. Getting a tattoo during your menstrual cycle may increase your pain sensitivity during your procedure. Having a hangover or too much caffeine can also increase pain sensitivity. If you are smoker, the topical aesthetic used may not last as long. Also having Fibromyalgia may affect your sensitivity. If you require something stronger, you may ask your doctor for a prescription of 10% Lidocain numbing cream (must NOT be oil based). Extra strength Tylenol before the procedure may help if you have a low pain tolerance.

If covering up an old tattoo done by another artist the tattoo must be significantly faded. A pic of the tattoo must be emailed before the appointment to see if it is doable. Also please understand it may not be possible to completely cover up the old tattoo, but we do our best. Any hair strokes done over the old tattoo may not be as sharp, and some of the old colour will show through the hair strokes. Expectations of an exact colour after healed are not guaranteed.

100%. All needles and supplies are single-use, come in a sterilized package, and disposed of after each client. A procedure mask and gloves are worn at all times during the procedure and disposed of after each client. All stations are thoroughly disinfected with Cavicide before and after each client.

Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will be darker and bolder in colour than after the healing is done. The tattoo can feel like a sunburn afterwards but there should be very little discomfort. Taking a Tylenol or Advil right after the procedure helps. The tattoo will be very dark up to day 5 and then by day 7 they should start to flake a bit. DO NOT pick the scabs; this will pull the pigment off the area. Some people report no flaking; it just depends on the person. If the tattoo is tight and itchy, apply a small amount of light moisturizer. Around day 10-14 you will think your tattoo fell out and did not work. This is not true, you just have to be patient, and see that by 4 weeks, when the skin regenerates, the colour will come back. If there are any spots that are too light or maybe did not hold from oily skin, health conditions, or not following the aftercare directions, the second touchup is when we fill in the gaps and perfect. The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the final colour of the tattoo is exposed and the touchup can be completed.

Do NOT drink alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure and caffeine the day of Do NOT take blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Fish Oil, Niacin, Vitamin E at least 48 hours before procedure You must not be taking Accutane for 6 months at least Do not use tanning beds 4 weeks before procedure Inform technician if you have had laser hair removal where tattooing will take place. It can affect how well the skin takes the ink and may need more treatments Botox should be done either at least 2 weeks before or after the procedure. Do not exercise the day of the procedure Do not have tinting or waxing the week of the procedure Bring reference pics the day of the procedure

You are pregnant or breastfeeding​You are sick with a cold or flu You have been on Accutane in the last 6 months Skin is irritated in an area where tattooing will occur (blemishes, sun burn, rash etc.) Are under 18 with out a parent You have a pacemaker/heart problems You are undergoing chemotherapy Have had a organ transplant Have not been off Retin-A or Retinols for at least 14 days Have sunburn.

At The Fall Tattooing, the best tattoo shop in Vancouver, an eyebrow tattoo costs $450 with a free touch-up.

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