Getting a tattoo tonight! Anything I need to do to prepare?

Question

This is actually going to be my 5th time getting tattooed, so its not like it's my first, but its been quite awhile since the last one.

Its now 10am, my appointment is at 5. The tattoo is a big peice down my ribcage from just under my armpit, to roughly my hip. I'm at work right now and wont have time to stop at home before the tattoo, but I can stop at a convenience store or somthing. I have some extra clothes, like a tanktop, bikini top, comfy pants and shorts (going to be a long and painful appointment), but I wasnt sure that would be correct clothing since I pretty much can't wear a shirt (i figured the bikini top for the way home since I can adjust it for tightness).

I've had coffee, powerade, and a bagel to eat, and plan to have a frozen dinner (pasta) at 12, then i brought some snacks for mid-afternoon because its bad to get tattooed on an empty stomach.

I will be going right home after the tattoo.

Is there anything I should do to prepare myself? Should I take some advil before? She I eat something specific/avoid anything? Should I avoid medication completely?

Also, is the aftercare for a small tattoo different than a big tattoo? All my current ones are fairly small so I know the deal, but wasn't sure if its the same for large ones.

I'm bringing a friend to hopefully keep me relaxed, entertained, and distracted. I was quite twitchy when I got my foot and ankle done. Is the same thing liekly to happen for my ribcage?

I'm just SOOO NERVOUSSS and don't want to forget anything!

Answer 1

Is this your first tattoo?

My advice is... shower or have a nice bath. with the location of your tattoo it's gonna be awhile before you can have a soak in the tub.

Don't take anything stronger than advil. Drugs thin your blood and could affect how the tattoo turns out.

If it's a pretty involved piece and you're scared of pain, take your ipod... when the pain gets to be a bit much... just turn your tunes on and try to take your mind off of it.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Answer 2

K, I had a decent-sized tat done 2 weeks ago (5"x8"), full color, took 90 minutes. Just so you know I'm not pulling this out of my *** :)

Sounds like you are well-prepared. I will tell you, the iPod was better than having someone there (which I also did), because I didn't have to pay attention to a conversation or answer the iPod. I cranked some NIN and it was the only thing that helped me through the bony parts :). The friend will be helpful for feedback during the tat, and for nervousness before too (and if you need anything she can run out during the tat and get it).

Bringing a drink (juice is good) for during the tat is good too; as is bringing hard candy to suck on in case you get lightheaded.

Aftercare is the exact same for a big or small tattoo, except that you will need to be careful about clothing rubbing against it more so than with small tats. Do you know if it's going to be done in one sitting? Sounds too big for that.

Also you may have to help hold clothing out of the way; if any of the clothes you brought are looser than what you are wearing now, put them on after work. Don't worry about flashing the artist - they've seen it all and then some.

Re: Twitchiness, you might be twitchy if you are ticklish in that spot, but if you were ok for the foot tattoo you'll probably be ok for this. Besides, the pain will probably override any ticklishness. Let your artist know if you're having trouble with it, though.

Answer 3

Prepare for pain!!!!!

Answer 4

Don't bother taking Advil before but take it right after to reduce the swelling and soreness.  

Aftercare for big tattoos is exactly the same as smaller tattoos, so no worries there.  This will be business as usual.

Whether or not you will be twitchy is hard to say since you are getting work done in a totally different area.  Try not to psych yourself out.  The ribcage is a burly spot to get tattooed but you can get through it! What always helps me - if your artist doesn't mind of course - is having something chewy to bite down on when it gets really ouchy (my favorite is Storck Chocolate Riesens! They are super chewy because the carmel in the middle is a bit hard).  It helps to have something to chomp down on that won't hurt your teeth.  ^_-

Powerade is an excellent idea.  Having something like that for just before and during the session will be helpful for you (I like Vitamin Water!) since making sure your blood sugar is consistent will keep you from feeling faint or woozy.  

Sounds like you are well prepared, though.  Good luck!

Answer 5

WELL, I just had the same thing done , I got a evil tree starting at my hip and going up to my arm pit, then it goes from around my nipple to the inner edge of my shoulder blade (middle of my back) it took a total of 9 hours and 1200 dollars. First i want to say the rib cage is really not as bad as people have told me but, the chub around the hip area is a different story! It freakin hurt BAD! But the good news is your a girl, and the facts about being a girl is that women can take way more pain than a man!

All I'm going to say is you will be fine, and you'll LOVE it when it's all done! Just remember to breath and think good thoughts!

Good Luck

Answer 6

yeh just make sure to keep your sugar levels up, i always have a can of coke with me when getting a tattoo or piercing!

I also have a large tattoo down my ribcage, it does hurt, but nothing you wont handle! and its soooooooo worth it! just let your tattooist know if you need a break...

As for aftercare, it will need alot of looking after, but youll find a routine, and it will heal nicely, try not to wear tight tops for a week or so, let as much air to it as possible..

enjoy your tattoo!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

don't think too much about it. try to relax and hope it doesn't take a decade to finish. :) (bring ur ipod)

Answer 8

Hey i have a foot tattoo as well! yeah it hurt a lot. Um i don't know if anyone has said anything to you about it but DO NOT TAKE ADVIL! it makes you bleed more. look its gonna hurt no matter what...i would wait until after the tat is done to take any medication.

Thanks!

Answer 9

Hi,

Dont drink. thats the best advice I can give you. My tattooist told me to have maybe one drink max all day, as too much alcohol can make yo bleed tremendously, and then, the tattooist will have to continually wipe the blood away, which I found was the most painful part of the whole process.

My Advice, is to relax, I know its hard, but you'll focus on it too much if you are stressing out.

Hope this helps