FAQ

Tattoo pain can vary significantly from person to person and depending on the body part. Generally speaking, soft areas and folds are the most painful (e.g., lower abdomen, armpit). Skin surfaces closer to bones and more sensitive areas (e.g., ribs, collarbone, feet) can also be more painful, while more muscular areas (e.g., arm, thigh) are more tolerable. The pain is often described as a continuous, mild stinging or scratching sensation.

Our pain map is divided into clearly visible zones and marked with colors to indicate the different levels of pain experienced during tattooing. Body weight can significantly influence the perception of pain, especially in bonier, more cartilaginous areas. Individuals with higher body fat may experience reduced pain. The map is for informational purposes only, as individual sensitivity and experiences may vary.

We can tattoo from age 16, but this requires a completed parental consent form and the parent's presence is optional during the tattooing process. Without parental consent, we do not tattoo anyone under 18 years old.

The price of a tattoo depends on the size, level of detail, complexity of the design, and the placement of the tattoo. The cost can range from small, simple designs to larger, detailed works. During a consultation, we can provide an exact quote based on the discussed design.

Tattooing is not recommended or possible in the following cases:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Known metal allergy (inks may contain certain metals)
• Known ink allergy
• During active phases of inflammatory skin diseases
• Blood clotting problems or bleeding disorders
• Weakened immune system
• On fresh sunburn or irritated skin
• After consuming alcohol or other mind-altering substances

Although we can create tattoos at any time, the period from autumn to spring is considered ideal because there is less direct sunlight and it's easier to follow the aftercare recommendations. During the summer months, the sun, chlorinated water, and sweating can make healing more difficult. However, it's important to choose the tattoo appointment so that it is not immediately preceded or followed by travel, beach trips, or other activities that could be harmful to the fresh tattoo.

Avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours before the tattoo, as alcohol's blood-thinning effect can cause increased bleeding, which makes the tattooing process more difficult and can negatively affect the final result. Alcohol consumption is also not recommended for the first 24-48 hours after the tattoo, as it can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of inflammation.

Painkillers do not alleviate the pain caused by tattooing under any circumstances. Certain medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) can significantly affect bleeding and thus the tattooing process and healing. Other medications can also affect the healing process. Please always inform our tattoo artist about any medications you are taking, and if unsure, consult your doctor before getting tattooed.

Our tattoo artists use Second Skin film (derma film) which must not be removed for the first 3-5 days!

After 3-5 days, you can choose from several proven options for caring for your fresh tattoo:

• Bepanthen cream/ointment - available at pharmacies, promotes skin regeneration (-baby, -plus or other alternatives cannot be used)
• Tattoomed - special tattoo care cream
• PEGASUS PRO Tattoo Ointment - 100% Vegan, hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and cruelty-free.

Avoid excessive scrubbing and over-applying ointment on the tattoo. Our tattoo artist will provide detailed instructions regarding the most suitable care method for your tattoo.

It is recommended to care for the tattoo for at least 2 weeks. For the first few days, apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily, then reduce to 1-2 times daily as healing progresses. It's important that the skin is not overly greasy, but kept slightly moist and nourished. After healing, it's also recommended to moisturize the tattoo to keep it beautiful and vibrant.

Do not soak the tattoo in water during the healing period (minimum 2 weeks). During this time, avoid soaking in bathtubs, pools, the sea, and any natural bodies of water. Showering is permitted, but try to expose the tattoo to water for as little time as possible, and afterwards gently but thoroughly pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Full immersion is only allowed after healing is complete.

During the healing of your tattoo, it's important to pay attention to the following:

• Keep the tattoo clean, but avoid excessive washing
• Never expose a fresh tattoo to direct sunlight and do not apply sun oil or sunscreen to it
• Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo, even if it itches - instead, apply more ointment
• Do not pull off the peeling skin from the tattoo, let it fall off naturally
• Do not wear clothing that rubs against the tattoo
• Avoid saunas, steam baths, and tanning beds for the entire healing period
• Avoid sweating; working out is not recommended for the first 2 weeks as excessive sweating can irritate the tattoo

After the tattoo is completely healed (approx. 3-4 weeks), yes, you can use regular body lotion on the tattoo. However, during the healing phase, we only recommend special tattoo care products, as these do not contain fragrances, alcohol, or other ingredients that could irritate the fresh tattoo. Conventional body lotions often contain ingredients that can dry out the skin or hinder proper healing.

A fresh tattoo must absolutely not be exposed to direct sunlight until healing is complete (approx. 3-4 weeks). Sunlight can damage the fresh tattoo, cause fading, inflammation, and even permanent damage. After healing, it's also recommended to protect the tattoo with sunscreen to preserve the vibrant colors. It's best to always keep the tattoo covered in the sun, or use high SPF sunscreen on it.

You can go to a tanning bed after the tattoo has healed (approx. 3-4 weeks), but even then, be cautious. Tattooed skin can be more sensitive to UV radiation, and tanning beds can also cause fading in the tattoo. If you go to a tanning bed, always use high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo, or try to cover it.

Depending on the size of the tattoo, for smaller designs, light workouts can be done as soon as 3-4 days later, while for larger designs, it's better to wait about 2 weeks, but be cautious. Sweating can irritate the fresh tattoo, so it's important to shower immediately after working out and gently clean the tattoo. Avoid intense workouts or sports where the tattoo might rub for at least 2 weeks. Always listen to your body - if you feel pain or irritation, pause your workouts.

A mild fever or malaise can occur in the first 24-48 hours after getting a tattoo, as the body reacts to the tattoo as an injury (so-called wound fever). This reaction is usually mild and temporary. However, if the fever is high (above 38°C / 100.4°F), persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (such as severe pain, swelling, pus discharge), consult a doctor immediately, as this could indicate an infection.

Allergic reactions after a tattoo can include:

• Skin redness or rashes around or on the tattoo
• Severe itching or burning sensation
• Swelling or blistering
• Fluid discharge from the tattoo

Allergic reactions are rare, but can occur, especially with red and yellow inks. If you experience suspicious symptoms, contact our tattoo artist or a doctor. Choco Tattoo uses only high-quality, safe inks with proper certifications to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Tattoo removal is most commonly done using laser technology. During the process, the laser breaks the ink particles under the skin into tiny pieces, which are then removed by the body's immune system. Complete removal usually requires multiple sessions (typically 5-10 or more), and the final result depends on the tattoo's size, color, age, and the individual's skin type. It's important to note that tattoo removal is an expensive, time-consuming process, and not every tattoo can be completely removed. Tonal changes may remain on the skin.

Yes, a tattoo can be done over a surgical scar, but only if the scar is fully healed (usually at least 1-2 years have passed since the surgery) and the scar color is suitable. Scar tissue has a different texture and elasticity than healthy skin, which can affect the final outcome of the tattoo. Each case must be evaluated individually, and it's recommended to consult with our tattoo artist, who can examine the scar and advise on the possibilities. In some cases, a tattoo can be an excellent way to aesthetically conceal a scar.

Piercing healing time varies significantly depending on the piercing type and the individual's body:

• Ear piercings: 4-8 weeks (earlobes) or 9-12 months (ear cartilage)
• Nose piercing: 2-4 months
• Navel piercing: 6-12 months

Complete healing often takes longer than the initial healing period. It's important to clean the piercing regularly and not change the jewelry frequently during the entire healing time.

Proper cleaning of a fresh piercing is essential for healing:

• Do not twist or pull the piercing during healing
• Use a sterile saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 250 ml of warm water)
• Rinse the piercing with the saline solution 1-2 times daily
• Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel
• Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine, as these are too aggressive and can dry out the skin
• Wash your hands before every cleaning