⚠️ Important Health Disclaimer
This page provides general health information about tattoo contraindications. If you have specific health concerns, please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before booking your appointment. During your consultation, we conduct a comprehensive health screening to ensure your safety.
✓ Pre-Tattoo Health Screening
Before every tattoo appointment, Scott conducts a detailed health screening to ensure you're a suitable candidate. This is part of our commitment to your safety and the quality of your tattoo.
During your consultation, you'll complete a comprehensive health questionnaire. If any concerns are identified, Scott will discuss them with you and may recommend consulting your doctor before proceeding.
🔴 Permanent Contraindications
These conditions permanently prevent tattooing due to serious health and safety risks.
❌ HIV/AIDS
HIV Positive Status or AIDS
PERMANENT
Individuals with HIV/AIDS have compromised immune systems, making them extremely vulnerable to infections. Tattooing creates open wounds that could lead to serious complications. This is a standard policy across professional tattoo studios worldwide.
💡 Note: We prioritize your safety above all else. If this applies to you, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about your health status.
❌ Hepatitis
Hepatitis B or C
PERMANENT
Active hepatitis (particularly B and C) creates significant infection risks and affects wound healing. These conditions prevent safe tattooing due to the weakened immune response and potential transmission risks.
💡 Note: Hepatitis screening is part of our standard health questionnaire.
🟠 Temporary Contraindications
These conditions temporarily prevent tattooing. Once resolved, you may be eligible for a tattoo with proper medical clearance.
⏸️ Pregnancy
Pregnancy
TEMPORARY - WAIT UNTIL AFTER DELIVERY
We don't recommend tattooing during pregnancy for several reasons:
- Increased infection risk due to immune changes
- Stress on the body during pregnancy
- Potential complications if complications occur
- Recommended to wait at least 3-6 months postpartum before tattooing
💡 Note: If you're planning pregnancy, we recommend getting your tattoos completed beforehand.
⏸️ Skin Infections & Conditions
Active Psoriasis, Eczema, or Other Skin Infections
TEMPORARY - TREAT CONDITION FIRST
Existing skin conditions can complicate the tattooing process and healing. Tattooing over inflamed, infected, or compromised skin increases infection risk.
💡 Note: Once the skin condition is resolved and your skin is healthy, tattooing is typically possible.
Keloid Tendency or Severe Scarring
TEMPORARY - CONSULT DERMATOLOGIST
If you have a history of keloid formation or severe scarring, tattooing may cause excessive scar tissue. We require medical clearance before proceeding.
💡 Note: Speak with your dermatologist about whether tattooing is safe for you.
⏸️ Infections & Illnesses
Current Cold, Flu, or Fever
TEMPORARY - RESCHEDULE
When you're sick, your immune system is already working hard to fight off illness. Adding the stress of a tattoo (an open wound) can compromise healing and increase infection risk. We recommend rescheduling until you're fully recovered.
💡 Note: You'll typically need to wait 2-4 weeks after any serious infection before getting tattooed.
Recent Vaccinations
TEMPORARY - WAIT 48 HOURS
Your immune system is active during the vaccination response period. We recommend waiting at least 48 hours after vaccination before getting tattooed to allow your body to settle.
💡 Note: If you're getting COVID-19 boosters or flu shots, plan your tattoo appointment accordingly.
🟡 Case-by-Case Considerations
These conditions require individual assessment. Tattooing may be possible with proper medical documentation and management.
📋 Bleeding Disorders
Hemophilia or Coagulopathy
CASE BY CASE - MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Bleeding disorders can make the tattooing process complicated due to excessive bleeding and poor clotting. Medical evaluation is essential to determine if tattooing is safe for your specific condition.
💡 Note: We require a doctor's letter confirming it's safe to proceed.
📋 Heart & Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, or Recent Heart Surgery
CASE BY CASE - MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIRED
The stress and pain of tattooing can affect heart rate and blood pressure. If you have cardiovascular concerns, we require medical clearance from your cardiologist before proceeding.
💡 Note: Managing blood pressure through medication can make tattooing safer for those with hypertension.
📋 Diabetes
Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
CASE BY CASE - MEDICAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED
Diabetes affects immune function and healing ability. Well-controlled diabetes is typically manageable, but poorly controlled diabetes increases infection risk. We need to verify your blood sugar levels are well-managed before tattooing.
💡 Note: Bring documentation of your recent HbA1c levels and discuss with your doctor.
📋 Autoimmune Conditions
Lupus, Crohn's Disease, or Other Autoimmune Disorders
CASE BY CASE - MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Autoimmune conditions affect how your body responds to injury and healing. The severity of your condition and current treatment regimen determine if tattooing is safe. Medical clearance is required.
💡 Note: Stable conditions are more manageable than active flare-ups.
💊 Medications That May Affect Tattooing
Certain medications can complicate the tattooing process or affect healing. Discuss all medications during your consultation.
🩸 Blood Thinners
Warfarin, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen can cause excessive bleeding during tattooing. Discuss with your doctor.
💊 Antibiotics
Some antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines) can affect ink or healing. Inform Scott of your medications.
🧠 Anti-Anxiety Medications
Some can affect healing or interact with the tattooing process. Consult your doctor.
💪 Immunosuppressants
Medications that suppress immune function increase infection risk. Medical clearance required.
🏥 Chemotherapy/Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments significantly impact immune function. Consult oncologist before tattooing.
🧪 Anticoagulants
Medications that prevent blood clotting can complicate the process. Medical assessment needed.
👥 Age Requirements
Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
REQUIRED - STRICTLY ENFORCED
You must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo. We require valid photo ID proving your age. This is a legal requirement and non-negotiable. Parental or guardian consent cannot override this requirement.
💡 Note: This protects minors from an irreversible decision made before they reach adulthood.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a tattoo if I take blood thinners? ▼
This depends on your specific medication and condition. You must inform Scott of all medications you're taking. In some cases, getting approval from your doctor is required before proceeding.
What if I have a temporary condition? ▼
Many temporary conditions simply require postponing your tattoo until you recover. For conditions like active skin issues or current illnesses, we typically recommend waiting 2-4 weeks. Contact us to reschedule.
How do I prove my health condition is managed? ▼
Bring a letter from your healthcare provider or recent medical records confirming your condition is under control. For diabetes, HbA1c levels are helpful. We keep all medical information confidential.
What if I'm taking medication that affects healing? ▼
Discuss this during your consultation. Some medications are manageable, others may require temporarily adjusting your medication (with doctor approval). Never stop medications without medical guidance.
Can I get a tattoo if I'm recovering from surgery? ▼
Wait at least 6-8 weeks after surgery for your body to fully heal. Surgery stresses your immune system, and tattooing too soon can complicate both healing processes. Consult your surgeon.
What about over-the-counter medications? ▼
Even common medications like pain relievers and certain vitamins can affect tattooing. Inform Scott about everything you take, including supplements and herbal remedies.
Ready to Book Your Tattoo?
If you have any health concerns or questions about your eligibility for a tattoo, please contact us or schedule a consultation. Our health screening process ensures your safety and the quality of your tattoo.
During Your Consultation: We'll review your complete health history, answer all your questions, and determine if you're a suitable candidate for tattooing. Be honest about your medical history—it's for your own safety.
Schedule Your Consultation
