Tattooing has been around for centuries, and its uses and forms have ranged from cultural initiation and status symbols to biker gang solidarity and romantic proclamations. Whatever its role, tattooing is on the rise in the United States, especially among young folks. If you have already gone under the needle or are thinking about doing so, however, it is vital that you are well-informed about the procedure and its risks. Even the most authentic rendition of Tweety Bird is not worth compromising your health — even if your dignity may take a blow.
The prevalence of tattoos is about 14 percent among Americans — a surprising 36 percent among 18- to 25-year-olds — and this includes professional and amateur tattoos, the latter of which is more common among adolescents and prison inmates. When it comes to amateur tattooing, the instrument of choice is limited only by creativity and pain tolerance, ranging from needles and pins to mascara and India ink. Of course, each of these amateur techniques carries an extremely high risk of infection.
Professional tattooing is accomplished by using a sharp instrument to deposit pigment beneath the surface of the skin, in the layer called the dermis, with a vibrating tool that can oscillate up to 30,000 times per minute, much like a sewing machine. Even in a professional setting, the Food and Drug Administration does not directly regulate tattoo ink or certain other aspects of the tattooing industry.
If you decide to commit to a tattoo, whether for cultural, religious or personal reasons, do your research. First, I recommend visiting the “Dumb Tattoo Club” Web site for a visual showcase of tattoos-gone-wrong. Even the best of intentions can go awry when made permanent and on public display. On that note, give serious consideration to your tattoo design and placement. Think of where you might be in 10 years and who you might be around. Job interviews and picturesque Christmas mornings with grandchildren could take a very different turn should the topless lady on your forearm see broad daylight. Like marriage, tattooing is a commitment that is best approached soberly and with careful deliberation — just ask Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman. As to which one is more painful, the jury is still out.
Choosing a tattoo artist is, again, a commitment. As important as a steady hand is the quality of the tattoo facility. While most professional tattoo salons adhere to standards set forth by state or local health departments, always ask. Also, inquire as to the accreditation of the staff and pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility. Tattoo artists should use an autoclave — a sterilizing machine — for each instrument and should use needles and ink from a sealed package. In addition, ensure that the artist is wearing gloves. While HIV and hepatitis are not commonly contracted through professional tattoo salons — in fact, no case of HIV transmission in a commercial tattoo salon has been recorded — it pays to be vigilant. Most blood-borne diseases that are spread through tattooing occur because of reused needles and settings in which these diseases are prevalent — i.e., prisons — so steer clear of both, no matter how “clean” your cellmate might tell you it is. Remember, he is probably in prison for a reason.
As for the actual tattoo, follow the salon’s recommendations for aftercare, including an antibiotic ointment and avoidance of swimming or hot tubs for several weeks. Skin conditions such as allergic reactions have been reported, so if your tat starts to swell, make an appointment with your doctor pronto.
While most people worry about infectious diseases from tattooing, post-tattoo regret is far more common. Based on my admittedly limited clinical experience, I would conjecture that 98.2 percent of individuals who tattoo a partner’s name will soon find themselves single again. For others, “I love Mom” may scare off the ladies. Either way, tattoo removal can be a painful and costly process, much like tattooing itself. Laser treatment typically requires around 12 treatments, with less for amateur tattoos because they tend to be more superficial. Interestingly, green and yellow ink are more resistant to removal, so debate whether you’d rather have your tattoo forever or a greenish-yellow bruise instead. Kidding aside, new laser treatments can be tailored toward the specific colors of your tattoo. Laser surgery can easily cost more than $1,000, but in some parts of the country, this cost is excused for gang tattoo removal. Old-school surgery can also be used to excise a tattoo, but with this procedure comes the additional risks of infection and bleeding, especially if skin grafts are used.
If you are laser- or scalpel-shy, there are several products on the market to lighten tattoos. Dermabrasion and salabrasion use chemicals, rough-textured surfaces and salts to scrape the skin down to the dermis layer, and have mixed results. Plus, as you can imagine, pain is basically a given. Products such as Tattoo-OFF claim to get rid of tattoos at home, but are extremely expensive and not guaranteed to work.
The best way to approach tattoos, then, is to just use your head and wait until you are 110 percent sure about getting one. Then, think some more. While putting ink into your skin certainly is a grand gesture, there are certainly less permanent ways to impress a loved one. Flowers, anyone?
Emily Graham is a University Medical student. She can be reached at e.graham@cavalierdaily.com.
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