Today, many different people have tattoos, ranging from an intricate full back tattoo to a tiny butterfly on the side of an ankle. That’s no surprise; tattoos are one of many beautiful forms of body art that exist today. However, because tattoos are permanent, it is important to know the facts and precautions behind the tattooing process.
A tattoo is made of tiny skin punctures filled with ink. The ink is inserted about one millimeter into the skin, past the epidermis (the top layer of skin), and into the dermis (the second layer of skin). Because the dermis cells remain relatively stable throughout life, the tattoo is permanent. Most professional tattoo artists are experienced in striking the right balance between avoiding pain and achieving permanence. Going too deep causes pain and bleeding; however, not going deep enough compromises the permanence of the tattoo.
Before you commit to getting a tattoo, it is important to note the hygiene and sanitation practices used by the tattoo artist and studio. The studio should have needles that are sterilized between customers in order to minimize health risks. If proper sterilization procedures, such as autoclaving or using needles only once, are not followed, the risk of bacterial infections, dermatitis, or hepatitis increases exponentially. Dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin, can result in itchy rashes and swollen, red skin, whereas hepatitis, a condition in which healthy liver cells are attacked, can lead to liver failure. Furthermore, allergic reactions can occur, especially with colorful tattoo dyes, if your skin is not accustomed to an ingredient in the dyes.
Image Source: Ryan Stuart
After you leave the tattoo studio, taking care of the tattoo is important in order to maintain good skin health and to ensure the permanence of the tattoo. The tattoo must be covered with a bandage for the following 24 hours and then washed with warm water and mild soap. However, soaking the tattoo in water, whether through taking a bath or a long shower, is prohibited until the affected area is fully healed. To prevent the possibility of a bacterial infection, consistently apply any antibiotic ointment over the area for a week.
In the event that you decide to remove a tattoo, the most common method is laser tattoo removal, and this procedure involves several risks as well. Laser removal can take anywhere from five to 20 sessions, cost up to hundreds of dollars, and be painful. The laser targets the ink on the skin so the ink dissolves, and the body can ultimately absorb it. Laser removal involves significant risks, such as burns, scarring, hypopigmentation, and fibrosis. More importantly, there is a chance that the tattoo might not disappear if the tattoo is large in size, deep in the skin, or has been tattooed for years. Thus, you should thoroughly discuss the risks and costs of this procedure with your dermatologist before fully committing to laser tattoo removal.
Tattoos are a beautiful way to express yourself and it is important that you understand the precautions before getting one. A tattoo requires a lot of care, and most importantly, is permanent. Getting it removed is costly and comes with even more risks. It is also crucial that a tattoo is done at a professional tattoo studio that follows safe regulatory practices. This way, you can not only protect yourself, but also others who cherish the art of tattoos.
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