Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are needles ALWAYS new or can they be reused?
Needles for both tattoos and piercings should always be single use disposable and sterile! There is NEVER an acceptable excuse for reusing a needle. You should always see your needles opened from the sterilization pouch. If your piercer/tattooist "sets up" without you in the room watching, GET UP AND LEAVE! If they tell you there is a fee for a new needle, GET UP AND LEAVE! Your health and your life could be at risk. Don't let anyone treat your body with such disrespect! If you had already paid tell them you changed your mind and you want your money back. Don't be embarrassed to speak out for your safety. It's the artist re-using needles who should be ashamed! At Miraculous Creations needles are ALWAYS new and sterile! If you go anywhere else be sure they are doing the same.

2. Does getting a Tattoo hurt?
Receiving a Tattoo is more annoying than painful. The size and detail of your tattoos will determine how long it will take. You will go through a brief time of discomfort. But the tattoo will last for a life time.

3. Does getting a Branding hurt?
Branding sounds extreme but it actually feels very similar to getting a tattoo.

4. Does getting a Piercing hurt?
It will hurt a little just for a second. A professional is so smooth and quick it's actually nearly pain free. Your imagination is far worse than the piercing really is.

5. Can I buy body jewelry at the mall?
You can but the quality is often very poor. At body piercing salons the jewelry is selected and purchased by a knowledgeable piercer. At stores jewelry is purchased by a "buyer", the same buyer who buys the clothes, shoes, watches, purses, novelty items etc. Their job is to buy products for resale at the lowest price they can to make the largest profit for the store. Of course piercing salons need to make a profit as well, but their profit depends on their good reputation as a piercer and they won't sell you unsafe body jewelry. The "buyer" at a store wouldn't know safe from unsafe jewelry. They're not trained in piercing. Many people thinking they're getting a good deal at the mall, and often soon realize they wasted their money and end up buying safe jewelry from their piercer in the end.

6. Can I wear earrings in my body piercing?
NO! Proper body jewelry is your only safe choice. Earring posts and hoops are much too thin and can snap in a body piercing. The quality of the metal is usually much lower in earrings than body jewelry, dramatically increasing your chance of infection or allergic reaction. Earrings also have hooks or clasps that can catch on clothing and bedding, tearing the piercing out.

7. What metals are safe for body jewelry?
316L surgical steel, titanium, niobium and solid 14k gold. If the piercing is very healed you can also use acrylic, Pyrex, plastics, bone and wood. You should never use sterling silver, nickel, or copper in any body piercing.

8. Should I tip my Piercer / Tattooist?
Piercing / Tattooing is a personal service like hairdressing so many people do choose to tip as such. However when you don't tip a hairdresser, waitress, etc. you will usually receive the cold shoulder at your next visit. Piercers/Tattooist consider themselves to be professionals and will not treat you any different if you choose not to tip. If you do choose to tip you should base your tip on the cost of the piercing. For example our piercing prices are packages that include everything. So if your package price is $39.00 you should only base your tip on the piercing fee which is only $28.00 On a spiritual note tipping is good Karma and will come back to you in the long run.

9. What is a piercing seminar? And is it good training for a piercer?
It's just that, a seminar, nothing more. They can range from 1 day to 2 weeks. Some are worthless and some are quite informative, interesting, and fun. But they are NEVER to be considered piercer training. They are simply a seminar meant to accompany full and appropriate training. There are salons who do fancy advertising that they're seminar trained, they fool you by making this appear as a good thing, but unfortunately in most cases it really means they have no training other than a seminar which is incredibly dangerous. It's impossible to be trained as a piercer by a seminar alone. Be especially careful of this deceitful practice. Seminars are wonderful accompaniments to a full apprenticeship.

10. My Piercer/Tattooist doesn't own an autoclave, but they buy pre-sterilized needles, am I safe?
NO! There is much more that needs to be sterilized than the needle.  Your body artist must have an autoclave on site that you can see. For a safe tattoo the tube on the gun that the needle goes into also must be sterilized. For a safe piercing all tools must be sterilized as well as gauze pads, q-tips, elastic bands, corks etc. An autoclave is the only way this can be done. You should also be able to see current spore test results. This is a test performed at least once a month on a autoclave to be sure it's working properly.
Some so called body artists use innadequate procedures that they claim sterilize but they do not. Soaking in bleach or alcohol sanitizes, it does not sterilize. Sterilization is achieved through a combination of heat and pressure, so boiling does not guarantee sterility! If your artist is using these methods RUN!

11. Will my piercing set off a metal detector?
Probably not unless you have many piercings concentrated in one area or wear very thick gauge jewelry, then it is a possibility.

12. Will my tongue piercing interfere with dental visits?
No, it won't prevent or be in the way of dental work. But keep in mind that Dentists are human, your dentist may or may not be prejudiced against piercings. Be aware of this and prepare yourself for the dentists attitude. If you've had your piercing for longer than 6 months and this situation bothers you, take out the jewelry right before you go in and put it back in as soon as your visit is through.

13. My bead fell out! What do I do?
This rarely happens but does on occasion, especially in thin gauge jewelry. You can stop in the shop and we will put it on for you. If your piercing is not completely healed and you can't come in right away you should use a small piece of tape to close the space the bead was in. Don't tape the jewelry to your body and don't cover the holes, just close the space the bead was in.

14. Why do tattoos fade?
The most common reason is the sun. Sun bleaches the color out of a tattoo.  It is important that you protect your investment by using a very strong sun block EVERY TIME your tattoo is exposed to the sun. I've found the sun block for lips a very handy way to do this. Another reason is improper after care while the tattoo is healing. Do not go in salt water, chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or spas while a tattoo is healing! Don't let your tattoo get a thick scab and never pick scabs! Tattoos performed by inexperienced tattooists often fade because they are not done deep enough, or done too deep causing scar tissue and excess scabbing.

15. Do genital piercings prevent or interfere with sex?
No, Quite to the contrary! Piercings can increase sensitivity for not only the piercee but also their partner. They're also very esthetically pleasing which can be quite arousing. Many exotic dancers report a huge increase in tips when having their genitals, nipples and or navel pierced. Piercings can also add to the length and diameter of a man's penis. Genital piercings are much more common than many people realize. However, piercings can be used to prevent sex if that is the customers desire. Many people choosing chastity will get specific piercings / jewelry that will suit their needs or desires.

16. How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
The initial stage of healing averages about 5-7 days, usually followed by a slightly dry, flaky skin stage. Healing will be complete within a couple weeks.

17. Is anesthesia used for piercing?
For many reason the answer is a strong NO. There are a few different types of anesthesia, none of which are safe or acceptable for piercing. The only piercers who use anesthesia are doing so to cover up for their own mistakes and inability to pierce properly. A trained professional performs a piercing so quick and smooth that it hurts less than the piercings performed by the non-professionals who use anesthesia. If you require more detailed information you can stop in one  for a booklet with full information on this important subject. If you cannot come in feel free to call or e-mail and we will mail you a copy. For your own health and safety do not let anyone convince you that you need anesthesia. If you go to a piercer who uses it get up and leave!

18. Can I swallow my tongue jewelry?
Yes you can. You should check your jewelry daily when you brush your teeth to be sure the balls are secure. Don't force them on too tight or you will strip the threads causing them to fall out.

19. Why should I get a shorter barbell for my tongue after the healing period?
Tongues can swell quite a bit causing a need for long jewelry when the piercing is done. After you're done healing and all the swelling is gone you can bite the ball while eating, thus chipping your teeth. The long jewelry can also irritate and wear away at the roof and bottom of your mouth. When you change to the shorter barbell you should save the long one and keep it in your wallet so if you do looe a bead (refer to question 17) or your barbell you will have a back up you can put right in. Keep in mind that a piercing can close very quickly with no jewelry in.

20. My friend gave me his/her jewelry. Can I use it for my piercing?
As long as the jewelry is of the proper size, style, metal and quality for the piercing you want yes you can. It must be sterilized first! We will sterilize it at no charge.

21. Can I use a piece of jewelry for my next piercing that I wore in a previous piercing?
Same as question #20

22. How can I prepare for my piercing?
How You Can Prepare For Your Piercing

23. What should I do if I have a problem with my piercing?
What Should I Do If I Have A Problem With My Piercing?

24. Can I change my jewelry myself?
I don't recommend changing captive bead rings yourself. If you are successful in getting the bead out you probably won't get it back in tight enough to stay. Using household tools can cause severe damage to your jewelry. Our tools are lined with brass so they won't damage your jewelry. Your should come in to have these changed. But if you wear any type of barbell and your piercing is well healed it's fine to change it yourself. Make sure you wash your hands first, put it only sterile jewelry and do it in a clean environment.

25. How do I go to a thicker gauge jewelry?
Come into the shop and we will use a stretching taper to gently enlarge the existing hole. We will then put in the thicker jewelry for you. Stretching should only go up one gauge at a time. Stretching should only be done on healed piercing, and you should only go up one gauge at a time. Stretching too much at once or too soon can cause tearing that will cause scar tissue making future stretching more difficult.

26. How much do Tattoos , Piercings and Brandings cost?
Please call or come in for pricing, there are so many options available that it's impossible to list them all here.

27. Is anesthesia used for Tattoos?
In most cases the answer is no, most people don't have a need. But if you have a low pain tolerance and feel you need anesthesia there is a safe option. Lidocaine is now available in a new needle free air injector system. The Lidocaine is pushed through the skin by the force of air pressure giving the same effect as injectable anesthesia. Only physicians are licensed to give the needle injections. Each shot covers about a one inch diameter and costs $10.00. For a large tattoo many "shots" may be required and can get a little pricey. It's your decision if it's worth it to you or not.

28. Will I loose my job if I get a visible piercing?
Unfortunately body art is still the acceptable and legal prejudice. In most cases tongue piercings are not very visible especially with the array of retainers available. Septums pierced with a circular barbell can be flipped up so it's not visible at work and easily flipped down after work. You should ask your supervisor what the policy is on visible body piercings before getting a piercing done. Some employers are under the mistaken impression that piercings or tattoos somehow affect your work capability, or choose to cater to the ignorance and prejudice of certain customers. Ask their rules before you invest.

29. I didn't research before getting a tattoo and I went somewhere that did an awful job. Can I get it redone or covered with a new tattoo?
Find a GOOD Tattooist and look at pictures of their cover-up work. Covering Tattoos is different than just doing a tattoo. When you find the artist you're confident in, work with him/her in choosing the right picture to cover it. And please don't quibble about price as a good cover-up artist is well worth what they charge. Remember Tattoos are on your body for the rest of your life! Odds are you got the bad job at a bargain price; you don't want to make the same mistake twice. How many things can you buy that last a lifetime? Wait until you can afford to have it done right!

30. Do you use an ear piercing gun?
Absolutely NOT! You should NEVER allow yourself to be pierced with a gun! They do not pierce properly, they cannot place the piercing correctly, they hurt more than a piercing needle does, they put in cheap, inappropriate jewelry and most importantly they CANNOT BE STERILIZED! Thus ear piercing guns can be very dangerous and should never be used even in earlobes. Disposable personal use guns are acceptable for earlobes only if they are truly single use but they are never safe for ear cartilage, nostrils or any other body part!

31. How many piercings can I get at one visit?
In general I'd say three. But it really depends on what piercings you're receiving, what your pain tolerance is and your general health. For some people one at a time is a wise choice, for others in good health 4 or 5 may be easily tolerated and heal fine. Discuss what you're interested in with your piercer.

32. What is a Tattoo / Body piercing license?
Some states require a license to tattoo or pierce. Maine does, Massachusetts doesn't. This simply means that a person from the Board of Health comes to your shop once a year and checks for the basics, that you have an autoclave and you don't have carpets on the floor. It has absolutely nothing to do with your knowledge of Tattooing/Piercing. Many non professionals, especially Piercers in Maine misrepresent themselves by fancy advertising that the're licensed. They mislead you and try to give you the impression that a license means the're trained. Make no mistake IT DOES NOT! A license in no way means you are knowledgeable, trained, know the human body, disease transmission, proper placement, appropriate jewelry sizes, accurate after care etc.

33. My Tattoo swells when I go in the sun, why? And what should I do?
You are most likely allergic to one or more of the colors. In most cases this is a minor annoyance and can be prevented by applying a strong sun block when in the sun.  If you still get swelling apply hydro cortisone cream, and take a dose of Benedryl. That should take care of it but in more severe cases you should visit your Tattooist. He/she can tattoo over the affected area with no ink and "bleed” the ink out. They could then do a spot test for other colors to redo it in. Only in the most severe and rare cases is laser removal necessary.

34. Does having body art mean you're a bad person?
Of course not ! It means you have the healthy confidence to express yourself in non harmful ways. This should be every parents desire for their children but unfortunately many people are caught up in ignorance and prejudice. I'm not only a piercer I'm also a Certified Hypnotherapist, Spiritual Counselor, Certified Practitioner of Metaphysics and member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and I know human nature pretty well. In all my experience I have never seen any indication that the media's representation of people with piercings/tattoos is true. A common misconception is that body art wearers are drug addicts. Drug addicts spend their money on drugs not piercings or tattoos. Body art is a harmless form of free speech.

35. I'm really nervous... can I have few drinks before I come in?
Sorry but NO.  Alcohol thins your blood causing bleeding, it can impair your judgment, it can make it difficult to sit still etc. Instead be well informed on the procedure you want to receive, know what to expect, find a body artist you're confident in and comfortable with and you'll be fine.

36. Do I need an appointment?
We do accept walk-ins but suggest appointments so you don't have as long of a wait. We strongly recommend appointments for genital piercing because they take a little longer to set up for.

37. How can I learn to be a Piercer?
You would need to find a senior piercer who has an excellent reputation and who is looking for an apprentice. You should also take college anatomy and physiology as well as CPR/First aid and blood borne pathogen training or disease control. Nice pluses are courses on relaxation techniques and bed side manner. There are also piercing seminars available that are wonderful boosters to your apprenticeship.

38. How can I learn to Tattoo?
Same as #37 except to my knowledge there are no seminars available.

39. What is a Senior Piercer?
A piercer who has been piercing full time for over 3 years who is very knowledgeable in ALL ASPECTS of piercing and has performed all or most piercings available.

40. What is a Master Piercer?
A piercer who has been piercing full time for over 5 years who is extremely knowledgeable in ALL ASPECTS of piercings and has performed all or most piercings available. A piercer never calls themselves a Master Piercer. It is an honorary name given by other Senior Master Piercers.

41. What are Rose's qualifications as a Piercer?
I have been piercing since 1992, and full time since 1994. I was the first piercer to be accepted by the A.P.P. (the Association of Professional Piercers) in New England. I am the only member in Maine. I worked directly with Massachusetts politicians promoting regulations in Massachusetts that other piercers fought against. I'm a piercing educator, speaking at high schools, colleges, hospitals, and health fairs. I'm certified in first aid and C.P.R. I'm also a certified Hypnotherapist and member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. Relevant to my understanding of human nature, besides manner and relaxation techniques. I am a Senior Piercer and have trained many other piercers.

42. When can I have my jewelry changed?
Any time after your healing period.

43. When can I have the bead changed?
Anytime and as often as you like. The cost is $3.00 and includes your choice of bead and us changing it for you.

44. Why does my navel ring lay to the side?
This can be fairly common with women. Wearing jeans or waistbands that rest on the piercing will force it to lay to one side; you shouldn't allow anything to put pressure on your piercing. Also women that sit a lot or that have "tummy bulge" are prone to this.

45. Can I get a tattoo or piercing while I'm pregnant?
NO! You must wait until after you've had your baby. It is possible to cause a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

46. How old do you have to be to get a Tattoo?
You must be 18 or older in Massachusetts, without exception.

47. How old do you have to be to get a piercing?
You can be pierced under 18 if your parent comes in with you to sign the consent form. Your parent will have to show their i.d. as your actual parent. You must be 18 or older to receive nipple or genital piercings.

48. Will I have a scar if I take my piercings out?
Yes, but in most cases it is a tiny dot that will look like a large pore.

49. Why can't I just use regular soaps to clean my piercing, tattoo, implant, or brand?
Bar soap should never be used as it collects germs sitting in the open air, and non- antibacterial soaps will not kill germs. The soap must be liquid antibacterial. We recommend Satin or Provon which is a liquid antibacterial, anti microbial, antifungal. Awesome soap and it's gentle and non-drying too!

50. Will swimming in lakes or oceans hurt my piercing?
Probably not. There is a lot of pollution in the water so you should do a cleaning immediately after swimming, following your normal after care instructions. When you're at the beach avoid getting sand, oil, and lotions in your piercing. If you want to be absolutely safe you can use Tegaderm Patches. These are available at your local pharmacy. It's a square clear patch that you can put over your piercing, making sure you completely seal it all the way around. After swimming remove it and do a cleaning. Do not let your piercing get a sunburn!

51. Can I go in Chlorinated pools, hot tubs or spas with my piercing?
Chlorine can cause problems to a healing piercing. It should be fine if you use a Tegaderm patch (refer to question #50) Private home spas don't pose as much of a threat but the sanitation of public ones can be questionable. Public spas, pools, and hot tubs should be avoided with any type of open wound.

52. Can I swim with my fresh tattoo?
No you shouldn't. You will lose your color if you burn or tan. You also must avoid getting sand, salt, lotions and oils on your tattoo until it is completely healed.

*** There are many Tattoo and Piercing shops located in vacation areas. This is a very bad idea, for many reasons. Vacation time is NOT when you should be having body art done! You're not supposed to swim, tan, be on the beach, use hot tubs etc. with fresh body art of any type. The work is usually bad at vacation area shops because they don't rely on repeat business so their reputation doesn't matter. It is also important to be able to receive follow up care from your body artist so you should stick with a reputable salon near your home, place of work, or school. People who get work done on vacation usually regret it.*** Check out this link for more advice on swimming with your tattoo: Safe Swimming ***

53. Why can't I use a smaller ring?
What you may imagine will look best may not be safe for your piercing. Proper thickness and diameter are very important for the safety of healing of your piercing. For example jewelry that's too thin can easily be torn out, bend or break in your piercing. If the diameter is too small it can cause rejection, pinching, not allow for proper cleaning and keloid scarring. If your going to a piercer you trust you should also trust in their jewelry recommendation. Beware that many piercers will allow you to choose any jewelry you like- this is not recommended! A professional will only pierce with what's safe and knows when to say NO to a dangerous piercing or improper jewelry choice.

54. What is the standard size jewelry?
There really isn't a standard - there are average sizes, minimum, and maximum sizes. For example in most tongue piercings I use 7/8 in length. But sometimes, depending on placement, thickness of the tongue, closeness to the tip etc. I sometimes use 3/4" and rarely 5/8".

55. I wanted thicker or larger jewelry but my piercer didn't recommend it. Why?
Again it important to work with your body's anatomy. Sometimes the jewelry you want may be too thick and heavy for your piercing to support it which can cause rejection, scarring, and nerve damage. If the diameter is too big, the jewelry can twist and pinch, causing tearing, scarring and discomfort.

56. I wanted to get my tattoo smaller but my Tattooist said it needed to be larger. Why?
In most cases that's a sign of a Tattoo artist that takes pride in his/her work and is concerned with your long term happiness. If your tattoo has a lot of detail in it and it's done too small it will look like a blurry mess, especially over time. By making it a little larger your detail will be fine, clear, and easy for everyone to see and determine what it is. It can be quite aggravating to always hear "What is it?" Trust in your reputable Tattooist's advice and you will be happier now and years from now.

57. How will exercise, sports, or sweat affect my Piercing?
In most cases your piercings will not interfere with or be affected by exercise or sports. But you should use common sense. Before being pierced you should find out if your team or school has rules against wearing jewelry, as unless your piercing is very well healed you will not be able to take out the jewelry without it closing. If your sport is a rough one you may want to pad the piercing with gauze during the game. You should discuss your sport with your piercer before having it done so a safe jewelry choice can be made. For very active people a bent barbell may often be better than a hoop. Bicycle riding is not recommended if you have a healing genital piercing. After you are done with your workout or game you should shower following your after care instructions. Wearing loose, comfortably fitting and absorbent clothing can be a help.

58. What is a brand?
Branding is burning, the scar left is your brand. There is no color. They are done in basic and fairly simple shapes and designs.

59. Can I bring my own picture with me for a tattoo or do I have to choose one there?
Yes you are welcome to bring your own picture with you, or if you have the idea but no picture we can custom draw it for you. And of course we have thousands of already made pictures in every category and style to choose from if you like.

60. Do you do surface piercings?
Yes, but only with the full understanding that surface piercings almost always grow out, which is better known as rejection or migration. If it is rejected it can leave significant scarring. Having the piercing done with monofilament line instead of jewelry can reduce the chance of rejection but the odds are still high.

61. Do piercings usually grow out or reject?
No, most piercings that are placed properly and have proper size jewelry don't grow out. But it always is a possibility with any piercing. Eyebrows have a slightly higher rate of rejection because the brow bone puts pressure on the piercing from underneath. If not enough skin is put in the piercing it will also have a higher rate of rejection. Some people also have natural tendency to reject piercings. But in most cases your piercing will stay where it started and be fine.

62. When can I take the jewelry out and not lose the hole?
It impossible for anyone to tell you a time because everyone varies. Every time a body piercing is left without jewelry you risk it closing or shrinking. There are two stages of healing. The initial stage seals the piercing and thus reduces chances of infection dramatically. The second stage is longer and is the time it takes for the piercing to "toughen up and season." During and after the 2nd stage jewelry can usually be removed for brief lengths of time.

63. What will happen to my navel piercing if I get pregnant?
Most women can wear their piercing with no problem at all until the 6th and 7th month when excessive stretching will start. I've switched many women to bent barbells and this has been working extremely well. Some of my customers have worn the bent barbell right through delivery with no problems at all. Others had to remove it right before delivery but not for any physical reason only because some doctors insist that no jewelry be worn. Bent barbells are very easily removed and and reinserted so you can easily do this yourself if you have to take it out.

64. Will I be able to breast feed if I've had my nipples pierced?
Yes, having your nipples pierced will not prevent breast feeding. It is important that your piercings be completely healed before breast feeding. You should never receive piercings while pregnant or nursing, but if you had them before becoming pregnant there will most likely not be a problem. If you want to keep the piercings you will have to wear either barbells or circular barbells because each time you nurse you must remove the jewelry, clean your nipples, nurse your baby then put your jewelry back in. This can be a little time consuming but worth it if you want to keep your piercings.

65. Do Piercings or Tattoos have Spiritual meaning or significance?
That depends on the person wearing them. Many people get them for aesthetic beauty, to others they're a form of speech, making a statement about their beliefs, and oftentimes they are spiritual and have a lot of meaning to the wearer. They often represent a specific event in the wearers life. Many people get them as a statement of strength or reclaiming their bodies after a divorce, drug or alcohol problem or after being the victim of a crime. It's a way of saying "This is my body and I'll choose what happens to it". For many others it's simply a fad with no meaning at all.

*** On a personal note - mine do have spiritual meaning. They represent my love for God, the power God has in my life and the strength God has given me. I have been blessed with a wonderful life and a wonderful family so I choose to give thanks by "decorating my walls with Spiritual pictures." ***

66. Can receiving Tattoos or Piercings be a Spiritual experience?
It can and for many people it is, but for many others it has no significance at all. Sometimes people get pierced to reclaim themselves (refer to question #65) in these cases the piercing experience itself can be very spiritually significant. It lets the light in and allows the darkness, pain, fear, anger etc. out. This for some people can be very healing. Some people receiving body art go into a meditative state which can be very cleansing to ones soul.
 
 

Miraculous Creations Body Art/Tattoos  387 Park Avenue  Worcester MA  01610  508.755.1379