AboutThe GYPSY - Professional Tattoo Artist and Body Piercer Expertise I can accept questions on proper tattooing and piercing procedures, including but not limited to, licensing, sterilization, studio promotion, safety, what to look for in an artist/studio, aftercare, apprenticeship, studio management and proper design/piercing placement. I can also rate artistic quality. We also can answer questions on tattoo/piercing resources, ie; books, videos, studios and artists/piercers. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ASKING YOUR QUESTION: I will NOT answer "How To" questions. If you want to know how to tattoo or pierce do the right thing and seek out a formal apprenticeship. Tattooing and piercing are not a "Learn On Your Own" professions. ALSO: Please DO NOT ask me about tattoo or piercing prices. Rates vary from region to region. You will need to check with studios in your area for their current rates.
Experience
Past/Present clients I tattoo/pierce over 1200 people per year. Multiply that by 31 years and I have tattooed and/or pierced approx. 37,200 people.
The GYPSY founder of Skin Art Creations Tattoo Emporium® is a State of Kansas licensed Tattoo & Piercing Artist & Trainer and has been in the Tattoo & Piercing Industry since 1976. His formal art training and experience has helped him win numerous awards both Nationally and Internationally. The GYPSY's art has been exhibited in museums World wide, including the Smithsonian. He has also appeared on television, documentaries, albums, radio talk shows and in numerous magazines. Along with his Wife Debbie they have developed and maintained numerous projects including resource and shopping sites. WE INVITE YOU TO VIST THESE SITES: www.ubtat2d.com - www.ablazable.com - www.emerald-city.us - www.sekpress.net - www.freaky-links.com and www.pluribusunum.net
Question What's the best way to preserve my tattoo during pregnancy? It runs from the top of my right hip, half way up my ribs and across my stomach almost to my belly button. I'm not pregnant yet but I want to take the precautions nessecary before we have a little one on the way.
Answer Stephanie,
To minimize damage to a tattoo during pregnancy follow these steps:
1. Upon learning that you are pregnant remove ALL body piercings immediately. The swelling of the body during pregnancy can have an adverse effect not only on the piercings but upon the skin.
2. Start a daily regiment of twice daily hot baths. Add baby oil to the bath and soak until the water cools massaging the areas where stretch marks occur. The hot water and baby oil helps to lift dead skin cells from the body. These dead cells contribute to stretch marks. Remember, don't make the water too hot, just comfortable.
3. Upon leaving the tub (make sure you always have someone to assist you in and out of the tub during your pregnancy), use either pure aloe vera gel or vitamin E on the skin to nourish the cells.
4. In the evenings while relaxing take that opprotunity to massage your stomach, breasts and thighs with a vitamin enriched lotion.
5. Observe proper nutrition during your pregnancy. Remember to take your daily vitamins, don't smoke and don't drink. Get plenty of rest.
I cannot guarantee that you will have no stretch marks but they will be greatly reduced. You may still have to look at a touchup of your tattoo six weeks after your pregnancy but it should really be nothing major for you to worry about. I have known several women that followed this regiment during their pregnancy and they had minimal indication of stretching afterwards.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
Be sure to tune into my "BlogTalkRadio" Show "THE GYPSY'S ROUNDTABLE" Every Monday evening at 6:00pm CST. Check out our show schedule at http://blogtalkradio.com/ubtat2d
