Tattoos
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? Below is some information to consider before you make your decision.
How is a tattoo made on your body?
Tattoos are made using a machine that is like a sewing machine. It’s a small machine with tubes of dye that are connected to a needle. This needle pierces the skin and injects ink through the top first layer of skin into the second layer of skin (dermis).
Are tattoos permanent?
Yes, a tattoo is a permanent mark or design on your body. It is permanent because the ink is injected deep into the skin.
Is there anything I should do before I get a tattoo?
- Make sure you have had all your immunizations. Hepatitis and tetanus shots are the most important.
- Talk to your health care provider if you have a medical condition, including diabetes, allergies, and skin conditions.
- If you are under 18, check to see if you need permission from a parent.
What should I look for in the tattoo studio?
It is important that the studio is in clean condition.
Here are a few things to check for:
- The tattoo artist should be wearing clean fresh gloves during the procedure.
- The equipment should be unused and sterilized.
- The needles and dye tubes should be in sealed packages before use.
- The tattoo artist should have an up-to-date license.
If the studio looks dirty, or if you see anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, find another studio!
What should I expect when I am getting a tattoo?
When you arrive at the tattoo studio, the tattoo artist will:
- Explain the procedure to you
- Possibly draw a sketch before any design is placed on your skin
- Wash his/her hands
- Clean and disinfect the spot on your body that is being tattooed
- Put on surgical gloves and possibly a surgical mask
- Open up brand-new equipment (needles, etc.)
- Draw the outline of the design under your skin with the tattoo machine
- Clean the outline with soap and water
- Shade the design and add color using the tattoo machine
- Remove any blood with a disposable cloth
- Clean the tattoo and bandage it
How long does it take to get a tattoo?
It depends on:
- The size of the tattoo. Larger tattoos can take several hours.
- The design. A simple design (such as a star) will take less time than a complicated one (such as a dragon).
Can it be painful to get a tattoo?
It depends on:
- The area of your body that is being tattooed. Some areas are more sensitive than others. For example, your ankle would be more sensitive than your arm.
- Your pain tolerance. Some people describe the feeling as getting shots or bee stings. Other people think it is more painful.
The tattoo process can also cause a little bleeding, but this is normal.
What are the risks with getting a tattoo?
Some of the major risks are:
- Allergic reactions or itchy rashes can be caused by tattoo dyes (especially red dyes).
- Bacterial or viral infections may occur, especially if the equipment isn’t sterilized properly. Some symptoms of infection include redness and swelling.
- Tattoos can cause skin disorders such as granulomas (bumps) around the tattoo and keloids (scarring).
- Blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, TB, tetanus and HIV. This can happen if the equipment is not properly cleaned and is contaminated with an infected person’s blood.
- Regret! Make sure that you choose a design that you feel strongly about or that means something to you. Remember, the tattoo will last forever!
How do I take care of my tattoo?
Here are some things that you should do to help your tattoo heal properly:
- Keep the bandage on for 24 hours following the procedure
- Don’t touch the tattooed area
- Use an ice pack if there is redness or swelling
- Gently clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap and water
- Pat dry (don’t rub!)
- Put on moisturizer regularly
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid shaving the area
The tattoo artist will give you more instructions.t Remember to ask the artist if you have any questions or concerns.
Can my tattoo be removed?
It’s possible, but there is no guarantee. It can be difficult and painful to completely remove the tattoo, and complete removal may not be possible. Sometimes the removal process causes scars.
How can tattoos be removed?
There a few different ways:
- Laser surgery. Laser light is used to remove the tattoo. It usually requires several visits, so the process usually takes a few months. This is a reliable and effective method.
- Dermabrasion. The tattoo area is numbed by chilling. The layers of skin containing the pigment (color) are gently sanded off. This way new skin can grow. This method may leave a scar.
- Surgical removal. The tattoo is cut out and then the skin is stitched back together. This method will leave a scar.
Always talk to your health care provider before removing your tattoo. Removal should be done by a dermatologist (skin doctor) who specializes in removing tattoos. Do NOT use do-it-yourself tattoo removal creams or any other products that are sold online. They are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they may cause skin reactions.
Written by the Young Men's Health Staff
Updated: 2/22/2010
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