ok ok, you want the real answer?? your tattoo won't need touching up for maybe the next few years. if you tend to stay out of the sun then it will take longer to fade. i've had mines since i was 23.. let's see, 4 years ago and i've never once needed for it to be redone. it's on my back and i rarely take off my shirt when i'm outside.
as for touching up, i've never really gotten into this subject, yet i would think that your skin is much different that the texture of paper. sure a sharpie will bleed, but paper is made of absorptive material. touch up should basically be just as good as the original, but you have to find a good tattoo artist. i've seen a lot of shitty ones, which made me ask around before spending money on shit.
raverboy
...this is just my perspective on the situation...