well, if you want that, you need to find out for sure. Have you actually experienced anything like this already, that a normal wound would need longer healing time? Or are they just assuming it? You could also talk to tattooers and hear if they know anything about it.
yep, but don´t get satisfied with any superficial explanation. Ask to see their
autoclave where they sterilize the tattooing machine, and as Plintus said, they must use new needles every time. Also they need to wear gloves and the whole place should look as clean as possible. This plus proper care should ensure that everything goes well. And never drink (or smoke whatever) just to calm your nerves. First of all, tattooers should have an ethic code not to tattoo anyone intoxicated, and second, the alcohol dilates the veins, so that you´ll bleed more, so it´s pretty stupid to drink for relaxation before tattooing.
The motif you have suggested, it seems pretty suitable for a first tattoo and it´s not so big, so if you´re worried about healing, this should be manageable and then you can see how it goes.
Btw, I had links to good sites with information, but that was a few years ago and now I cannot find the stuff anymore, so you´ll have to search yourself