Tattoos and Body Piercings

1. Tattoos and Body Piercings

2. Tattoos • Created by injecting a colored pigment into the skin creating a permanent visible design • Temporary Henna tattoos are available

3. Tattoos • Most tattoo artists use an electrically powered, vertical, vibrating instrument to inject the tattoo pigment. - the instrument injects pigment at 50 to 30,000 times per minute into the second layer of skin (the dermis), at a depth of 1/64 to 1/16 of an inch

4. Tattoos • Design and scar are produced by the deposit of insoluble inks. Initially, there may be some localized swelling and oozing of a small amount of clear fluid • Newly acquired tattoos generally heal in 2 to 3 weeks and require care similar to that of a minor wound or burn • A professional tattoo artist must have a permit from the local health department to operate a tattoo parlor

5. Industry Standards • The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) is a nonprofit organization that, together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed a set of infection control guidelines for tattooists to follow

6. Tattoo Removal • Can be very expensive and may cause permanent skin discoloration • Laser. • Excision (Surgery). • Dermabrasion ("Sanding").

7. Body piercings • Body piercing involves the insertion of a sharp implement, usually a needle, into various areas of the body to create an opening for a decorative ornament

8. Healing times • aftercare and possible complications are dependent on the location of the piercing. • Ear piercings generally heal in 4 to 6 weeks. • Naval piercings may take up to 6 months to heal and are more likely to become infected than other areas.

9. Risk of Infection • Spread of infection from blood borne diseases • Tetanus • A superficial local infection at the site of the piercing is common • Following aftercare instructions for cleaning the wound helps prevent this complication.

10. Questions to ask before getting a tattoo or body part pierced. • How carefully have I thought about my decision? Am I feeling pressured by friends? • Why am I contemplating a particular form of body art? • How will I like my body art in the future? (tattoos are permanent) • How carefully have I researched the process, potential health risks, studio and artist?

11. Factors consider when choosing a body artist & studio • Choose an artist who is experienced, reputable, and preferably a member of a professional piercing or tattooing organization. • Check with the local public health department to see whether there are regulations or licensing requirements for body artists. • Interview the artist and visit the studio prior to the procedure.

12. Factors to be considered when choosing a body artist and studio • The artist should wash his/her hands before the procedure and wear a new pair of disposable gloves throughout the tattooing or piercing process. • Prior to the procedure, the skin where the tattoo or piercing is to be done should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. • Needles and inks should be new, sterile, individually wrapped and disposed of after one use.