Tattoos

 

Getting inked, getting engraved, tats. Body art has been a form of self expression for centuries. For some it may be a fashion statement, for others, a tattoo may have religious, cultural or personal meaning. Whatever the reason, deciding whether to get a tattoo is a serious decision that will leave permanent markings on your body. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, take your time and get all the facts, and talk with your parent(s) or guardian(s). Below are common questions and answers about getting a tattoo that will help you make an informed decision.

 

What You Should Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

 

Are there any reasons not to get a tattoo?

You shouldn’t get a tattoo if you are getting one on a whim. It’s important to know why you are making this life-changing decision. You shouldn't get a tattoo on a dare either. This may seem obvious, but some teens get tattoos not because they truly want one, but because of peer pressure. If your friends are pressuring you, step back and consider what you really want. If it turns out you don’t actually want a tattoo, your real friends will understand. It’s your body, no one else’s.

 

Can I get a tattoo without permission from my parent or guardian?

In all states except Illinois and South Carolina you must be 18 or older to get a tattoo. In Illinois and South Carolina, you must be 21. In some states, if you’re under age you must have written parental consent, or have your parent go with you. However, in some states, if you’re a minor you can’t get a tattoo regardless of parental consent.

 

Are tattoos really permanent?

Yes. Real tattoos don’t come off with soap and water or rubbing alcohol like temporary tattoos. There are a couple of methods that remove permanent tattoos, but they are costly and painful.

 

Do tattoos hurt? Are there places on my body that will hurt more?

During the tattoo process, ink is injected into the dermal layer (the second layer of skin) with a solid needle that punctures skin between 50-3000 times per minute. This is not a painless process. The amount of pain someone feels depends both on the person and where the tattoo is being placed. Some people have a high tolerance for pain and don’t mind the discomfort. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo on a part of your body that doesn’t have much fat, such as your ankle or collarbone, you should be aware that it will likely be more sensitive than your arm or leg.

 

How can I tell if the tattoo artist is qualified?

Before you get a tattoo, go to the studio and talk with the tattoo artist. Feel free to ask questions. You should find out about all of the details involving your procedure and exactly what’s going to happen to your body. Ask the artist about their training, and make sure you can see their license/certificates on the wall. It should be up-to-date. Lastly, take a look at the artist’s work. Ask yourself if you like the quality of their work.

 

How can I tell if the tattoo studio is safe?

The studio should look clean and organized. Make sure that every piece of equipment that will touch your body is sterilized. This means that the artist must open a completely sealed package to get to the instruments that he/she will use; including needles, ointment, and ink. You should watch the artist open the sealed instruments. The artist must also wear sterile gloves during the procedure.

 

How much do tattoos cost?

The cost of a tattoo depends on the size and how fancy the design is, but individual tattoo studios can set their own prices. A small tattoo will usually range anywhere from $75-$100 dollars. Some studios charge by the hour. If you decide to get a tattoo, you should find out how much it will cost before you get one.

 

How long does it take to get a tattoo?

The time it takes to get a tattoo varies depending on the size and design. Large tattoos can take several hours, and complicated designs take longer than simple ones.

 

How many tattoos are too many?

Only you can decide how many is too many. Do you want to be covered in tattoos? That’s up to you. Keep in mind though, that you might be judged unfairly, especially if your tattoo(s) are visible.

 

If I gain or lose weight will the tattoo look different?

Significant weight gain or weight loss in a short amount of time could make your tattoo look very different. However, slow weight loss or gain over a long period of time should have little or no effect on your tattoo. Pregnancy is another story. If you have a tattoo on your belly, it will likely stretch and look different as your stomach expands.

 

What are the risks of getting a tattoo?

The major risks are:

• Allergic reactions such as itchy rashes can be caused from the dye (especially red dyes)
• Bacterial or viral infections can occur, but usually only if the equipment isn't properly sterilized
• Granulomas (bumps) or keloid scars (overgrowth of dense tissue that usually grows beyond the site of the skin injury or tattoo)
• Blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, tetanus, and HIV can be contracted if the equipment is contaminated with an infected person’s blood and hasn't been sterilized properly

How long does it usually take for a tattoo to heal?

Your tattoo artist should be able answer this question. On average, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks before you can go swimming, take a bath, or soak in a hot tub. Healing time depends on how well you take care of your tattoo and the skin around it.

 

What You Should Expect After Getting a Tattoo

 

Is it easy for my tattoo to get infected?

It’s only easy if you don’t do exactly what your tattoo artist tells you to do while it’s healing. For example, leave your bandage alone until you are told you can take it off. After you take it off, wash the area with warm water and a mild liquid anti-bacterial soap. Use your hands to wash it, not a washcloth, as it may cause irritation. Gently pat it (do not rub), with a clean towel until completely dry, and then apply whatever anti-bacterial ointment your tattoo artist has suggested. Showering is fine, but stay away from pools, tubs, lakes, and anywhere that your tattoo would be under water, for about 2-3 weeks. Scabbing is normal. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scabs, because this can lead to infection. As long as you follow the instructions you get from the tattoo parlor, your skin should heal just fine. If you don’t have a rash, you will most likely be told that you can use fragrance/dye-free lotion to keep your skin soft.

 

What should I do if my tattoo gets infected?

Check your tattoo while it is healing for any signs of infection. If your tattoo is on a part of your body that you can’t see, have someone else check the area for signs of redness, tenderness, swelling or discharge (pus) coming from the tattoo. If you have any of these signs, call your health care provider (HCP). You will most likely have to take an antibiotic. Follow your HCP’s instructions carefully. If you don’t get the infection treated, it could spread, causing possible blood poisoning and more complications.

 

What if I don’t like the way my tattoo looks?

There are only a few options if you don’t like your tattoo. You can get it removed, but this can be pricey and extremely painful. Covering it up with makeup is another option, but it doesn’t really fix the problem. You can also go back to the tattoo studio and ask the artist to fix it, or change the image into something else. This will definitely not be free, though. It’s very important that you are positive that you like your tattoo design before you get it since this image will most likely be on your body for the rest of your life.

 

Are there ways I can cover up my tattoo?

There are a couple of brands of makeup that specialize in tattoo cover-up. The products can range in price from about $7-$45 and usually come in kits with concealers and powders.

 

What if I want to get my tattoo removed? Is this expensive?

If you realize that getting a tattoo was a mistake and you are willing to spend the money, there are ways to get your tattoo permanently removed. A doctor (not a tattoo artist) performs the removal. To remove a tattoo, you’ll need to go for 1-10 sessions, which can cost between $250-$850 per visit. Even then, you may still be able to see some of the tattoo.

 

Always talk to your healthcare provider before removing a 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 Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and may cause severe skin reactions.

 

How can I get my tattoo removed permanently?

The most frequently used methods to remove tattoos are:

• Excision - A small tattoo can be cut out. The skin is then stitched back together. This method will leave a permanent scar.
• Laser Surgery - Laser light is used to remove the tattoo. This is a reliable and effective method however; it usually involves a lot of sessions, which can take up to several months.
• Dermabrasion - After the tattooed area is numbed, the layers of skin containing the pigment (color) are gently sanded off. This allows the new skin to grow. This method can leave a scar.
• Intense Pulsed Light Therapy - This works similarly to laser removal, but it is less painful. It has varying success rates and the cost also varies.

Talk to your health care provider to find out if it is safe for you to get a tattoo. If you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, bleeding disorders, allergies, or skin conditions, getting tattooed could be very risky. Make sure you find out if you are up to date with all of your immunizations, including your hepatitis and tetanus shots before getting inked.

 

Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 3/11/2010

 

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