|
|
|
Tattoos
Tattoos have become popular. They are a form of body decoration. If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, there are some things you should know first.
What is a tattoo?
A tattoo consists of punctures deep into the inner layers of your skin where the ink is injected. The cells of this layer are very stable so that makes the tattoo almost permanent.
Tattoos are done by hand. The artist injects the ink manually, or with a tattoo machine that consists of an electrical instrument with a system of needles and tubes. It’s important that the person doing the tattoo has enough experience so that he or she will know how deep to insert the needle. If it is done too superficially, the tattoo will not last. If it is too deep, it will bleed and be very painful. The tattoo artist should be trustworthy and should use new, sterile needles with each client. Having a tattoo done will take many hours, depending on the size and design.
Is having a tattoo done painful?
It can be painful, but the level of pain depends on the person’s pain threshold and the area that will be tattooed (there are some body parts more sensitive than others). Imagine yourself being needle pricked several times in the same area. You can also expect to bleed a little.
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo:
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, have it done in a safe way. Like any other cut or injury to your skin, tattoos involve risks such as infection and/or disease. Before getting a tattoo do the following:
1. Be sure to have all your vaccines up to date, especially hepatitis and tetanus. 2. Talk with your doctor first if you have health problems such as allergies, diabetes, skin problems, immune system problems, infections, or if you are pregnant. 3. Be sure that the place where you go is clean and safe and that the equipment they use is disposable and sterile. Professional tattoo studios are usually proud of their good hygiene. 4. Always verify if the studio has a license. (The requirements can vary from country to country and state to state.) 5. If the place looks dirty, or you don’t feel comfortable, go somewhere else. 6. Be sure that you really want a permanent tattoo. They are not easily removed.
What are the risks?
1. If the place does not comply with the sterilization standards or shares the ink and needles among different clients, you can put yourself at risk of getting HIV (the AIDS virus), Hepatitis B or C, skin infections, and/or dermatitis (severe skin irritation). Because of these risks, people with tattoos are not allowed to donate blood. 2. There are people who have allergic reactions to the tattoo ink. If you already suffer from skin irritations or allergies like eczema, you are likely to have a reaction to the tattoo ink. 3. There can be serious implications if you or a friend tries to do a tattoo. You must have experience to be able to do one.
Can a tattoo be removed?
Yes. If you don’t like the tattoo or you broke up with the boyfriend or girlfriend and you don’t want his/her initials anymore, you can remove it without surgery using a laser treatment. In the event that you decide to remove a tattoo, it is recommended that you choose the clinic wisely. Be sure the person doing the procedure is a doctor.
The difficulties presented when removing a tattoo depend on its size, age, type, color and the ink used. Usually it takes several sessions to remove a tattoo. The entire process can take weeks. Sometimes anaesthesia is needed, because it can be as painful or more painful than doing the tattoo. The specialist will be able to tell you how much of it can be removed. There are always risks: infection, hyper-pigmentation (that is when the skin becomes darker than normal), or hypo-pigmentation (that is when the skin becomes lighter than normal skin). It is usually more expensive to remove a tattoo than to have one done.
Resources: |