Tattoos

Tattoos are something this generation seems to love. They call it BODY ART. I love most all forms of art, but I am not a big fan of tattoos. I loved watching Miami Ink and love watching LA Ink because those tattoo artists amaze me.

First of all a tattoo requires having a needle penetrate the skin and ink injected into it! PAIN! Anytime something penetrates the skin, there is the potential for contracting a disease. The most common and contagious risks of getting tattoos include contracting Hepatitis B and C, HIV or AIDS and various other infections. You can also suffer from an allergic reaction to the equipment or ink. These things can actually be fatal!! If the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance or spots where the color has disappeared.

Before even thinking about getting a tattoo a person should make sure their tetanus and hepatitis shots are up-to-date. Know the tattoo artist and find out how they sterilize their equipment. More than just the needle needs to be sterile! Getting a severe staph infection can easily result in a lengthy hospital stay or death!

Watch out where you put a tattoo! Remember the effect of gravity makes skin sag. The above butterfly will eventually turn  into a caterpillar when the owner gets to be my age. Also, what looks good on a young person may seem a little ridiculous when you get older. Tattoos in the workplace are becoming more common, but there are still lots of employers who will not hire people with tattoos. Think before you get a tattoo and try to place it where it will not be visible to employers, when you are properly dressed for the job.

Cheaper than a class ring! That might be a true statement, but tattoos are still expensive. They are even more expensive if you decide you want to have them removed. The removal process costs several thousands of dollars and is very painful.

Think before you get a tattoo!

There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experience swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

With so many realistic looking temporary tattoos on the market it might be a good idea to get one of those first before you undergo the needles.

As you can see I know a few people who have BODY ART.

Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and a huge expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. So think before you decide to get a tattoo!                 Is BODY ART worth the risk?