More Than
A Temporary
Matter
INTERESTING
FACTS:
•Tattooing injects ink into the skin by an
electrically powered tattoo machine. A
solid needle punctures the skin between
50-30,000 times per minute!
•Tattoo ink being
deposited into the
dermis.
When you see a tattoo, you
are seeing the ink through
the epidermis (outer layer of
the skin).
The tattoo ink is actually
deposited in the dermis (the
second layer of the skin).
DISEASES
FROM
TATTOOING
•As long as the tattoo artist follows correct sterilization
and sanitation procedures, the risk of contracting a
disease is relatively low.
•But the truth is, diseases can be contracted (and some
can be fatal). Here are common diseases from
tattooing:
• Hepatitis (this is a common one; can cause liver failure)
• HIV (no documented cases in professional tattoo parlors)
• Syphilis
• Allergic reactions to tattoo ink (FDA doesn’t regulate
inks)
• Tuberculosis
SOME THINGS TO
PONDER…
Sure, that tattoo is
cute now, but what
will it look like 50
years from now?!
•A tattoo is permanent; this means you have it for
life!
•Tattoos aren’t one size fits all!! Discuss size and
color with your tattoo artist to achieve the look you
want.
•When ‘shopping’ around, don’t shop for price, shop
for quality! Quality and safety are going to cost
more, you’re paying for a more experienced artist
and better tattoo.
•DO look for artists affiliated with professional
organizations—these artists are often more familiar
with current trends, innovations and safety issues.
OKAY, SO YOU’RE
GETTING A
TATTOO—HERE’S
WHAT TO KNOW
AND DO
BEFOREHAND:
•Inspect the tattoo parlor to see if the
studio is clean and professional—just like
a medical facility.
•Ask Questions!! A good tattoo artist will
welcome the questions. You have a right
to know what will be happening to your
body.
BUT WHAT DO I
ASK BEFORE
GETTING MY
TATTOO?
• Ask, does each client get new needles? Each client
should get new needles to prevent the spread of
infection (just like in a doctor’s office).
• How are other parts of the tattoo machine cleaned?
They should be cleaned in an autoclave (a machine
used in hospitals to clean surgical tools).
• Does the tattooist wear gloves?
• Does the tattooist ask the client about any significant
medical history? (This helps decrease spread of blood-
borne diseases).
•What do tattoo needles and
autoclaves look like?
•Autoclave
(sterilizes tattoo •Various types of tattoo
machine tools). needles (come in different
sizes-like paint brushes).
•Does the artist have a portfolio of his/her work?
•Even better, does the artist have references?
•Remember, no artistic ability is needed to be a tattoo
‘artist!’
•What is the artists’ experience and qualifications in the
tattoo field?
•Observe the artist at work…
I’M SITTING IN THE
CHAIR WAITING
TO GET
TATTOOED…NOW
WHAT??
• Insist that you see the tattoo artist remove a new needle
and tube set-up from a sealed sterile package
immediately prior to beginning.
• Be certain you see your tattooist pour new ink into
individual disposable containers—this prevents
contamination of the ink.
• Observe the tattoo artist wash his/her hands before
beginning your tattoo.
• Make sure the artist puts on a new pair of disposable
gloves before setting up tubes, needles, and ink supplies.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions while getting tattooed. A
good artist will describe the process as he/she performs
the tattooing procedure.
•Proper Tattoo set up:
•New razor to shave where
•Plastic bags over intruments
tattoo will be.
to decrease infections.
•Clean cloth to cover tray
•Small separate ink containers to prevent contamination.
MY TATTOO
LOOKS GREAT!
HOW DO I GET IT
TO STAY THAT
WAY?
•A professional tattoo parlor will give you a sheet of
printed ‘after care’ instructions—they give this out for a
reason!
•Improper after care of a tattoo can increase the risks of
infection, and can permanently damage the image of
the tattoo.
•Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight (avoid
tanning)!
•Keep the tattoo properly cleaned using a mild
antibiotic soap.
•Don’t pick at the scab and avoid rubbing the area (this
allows for proper healing).
•For more in depth instructions ask your tattoo artist, or
check out www.science.howstuffworks.com/tattoo.htm
Okay, so you think
that if you don’t like
your tattoo you can
just get it removed?
You may want to
think again…
• Laser removal uses short impulses of intense light to
selectively break down tattoo ink in the skin.
• The broken down ink is then removed by the body’s
immune system.
•Laser removal of tattoo
• Tattoo removal is usually performed with lasers, and is
considered a cosmetic procedure (not covered by
health insurance).
• Removal costs $200 and up per session
• It can take anywhere from 40 or more sessions for the
tattoo to fade.
• Yellow and red inks are the hardest to remove; black is
the easiest. But no matter what, there will most likely
always be remnants of the tattoo left behind.
• The feeling of tattoo removal is equivalent of have a
hot iron placed on your skin