Caution reduces risks of tattooing
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
May 9, 2007 | 1:30 p.m.
Body art is a trend in American culture. From television station TLC’s “Miami Ink” to Travis Barker of Blink 182’s tattooed chest, body art is commonly seen in the media. After being exposed to these images, it is important to consider the details of the process.
Permanent ink
It is important to remember that the choice is permanent. “Pick a design you want to live with for the rest of your life,” said Chris, an artist at Art Apocalypse tattoo and piercing studio on West Union Street. “Think about it before you ink it.”
According to Chris, most people who come to get a tattoo have a basic idea of what they want. If they are not sure, they sit down and discuss what to do with the artist. “We work to where they’re happy with it,” said Chris.
Some ways of making sure a tattoo is the right choice include trying temporary tattoos or drawing the design you are interested in on your skin with a marker, says the Ohio University Department of Health Education and Wellness
“Make sure that it has meaning; something that touches your heart,” said Chris. With experience as a tattoo artist, Chris has learned what is best over time. He started out by getting tattoos in random places but then learned it should be about the whole picture. “Play on a big piece, plot it out, make a big scene,” Chris advises.
The pain factor
According to a body art pamphlet distributed by the OU Department of Health Education and Wellness, getting a tattoo is painful. However, people describe the pain as annoying rather than unbearable. According to bumper stickers available at Art Apocalypse, “It’s all about the pain. The ink and rings are just souvenirs.”
Removing a tattoo is not a simple task
If a person decides that he or she no longer wants a tattoo, the process is just as (if not more) involved as the process they went through to get it.
POWER leader Corie Richards shared information about tattoos during a tattoos, piercings, and tanning POWER hour at Baker Center. POWER (Promoting Ohio University Wellness Education and Responsibility) is a student-run group that seeks to educate students on issues that affect their lives and health.
According to Richards, laser treatment is administered to remove the ink from the skin. The energy of the light is absorbed by the pigment which allows the body to begin to process the ink. Eventually the ink begins to disappear, but it takes 12 treatments. Before considering removal, a person should consider the expense and pain that come along with it.
The laser method makes removal more accessible, but tattoos are still permanent. “With technology these days you can always get it lasered [sic] off, but it leaves a scar,” said Chris.
Richards also mentioned alternative options. Dermabrasion involves freezing the skin to numb it and then sanding down the area to remove the tattoo. In the end, the tattoo is gone, but it leaves a scar in its place. When it comes to removing a tattoo that is cut into the skin by a scalpel, the only option is surgical removal. “The only way to get rid of it is a skin graph,” said Richards. “Doctors normally won’t do that because [skin graphs are] only for burns, not cosmetics.”
Everything should be Spic and Span
According to a pamphlet distributed by the OU Department of Health Education and Wellness, it is important to make sure that the studio is spotless. If the studio does not meet health standards, then the instruments may spread HIV and Hepatitis B infections.
The information from POWER hour says that it is important to check if the needle or scalpel and ink container are thrown away after each use. The artist should also assemble tools in front of the customer to show that the tools are sterile.
A pamphlet with additional information provided at the session explained that some instruments may be reused; however, they must be cleaned using autoclave sterilization. This type of sterilization uses pressurized steam to sanitize the tools. Another way to clean the tools is dry heat sterilization, which simply uses heat to sanitize. The latter method only kills HIV and Hepatitis 20 to 40 percent of the time and should not be used.
Qualifications key to quality
According to the Ohio Department of Health Web site, “The operator shall maintain procedures ensuring that all persons performing body piercing or tattooing services on the business premises have received appropriate training in tattooing or body piercing.”
At Art Apocalypse, for example, certificates are posted on the wall for customers to see.
In addition to these requirements, the board of health inspects the facility for initial approval. According to the Ohio Department of Health Web site, “Approval remains valid for one year, unless earlier suspended or revoked.” When a year has passed, the facility must be inspected again to be approved again.
However, it does not hurt to do your own research before going under the needle. The Department of Health Education and Wellness pamphlet provides suggestions of what to ask the artist. They advise people to ask to see samples of the artist's work and to ask questions before committing to an appointment.
Proper care
The POWER hour pamphlet explains procedures for caring for your tattoo. It advises that one should wash new tattoos with cold water and soap and to apply ointment. It also advises to stay away from the swimming pool for a week because it can bleach out the color.
If a symptom arises that was not addressed by the studio, then make sure to notify them. At Art Apocalypse, for example, guidelines are given to customers when they get a tattoo. However, guidelines don’t always cover everything. “If you have any problems, come back or call the shop,” said Chris.