The Risks of Getting a Tattoo – What to Know

There are several risks of getting a tattoo. Specifically ill-thought out designs, poor placement and even improper aftercare send many people to the pool of regret, rather than the possible enjoyment of body art.

Medical Risks

Tattoos are permanent and in that way they should always be considered risky. Simply look at the procedure from the medical standpoint and the mere fact that the skin is punctured in order to achieve a tattoo.

No matter how talented the tattoo artist, if you don’t follow their proper aftercare instructions you could end up with a ragged, discolored, faded and poorly healed tattoo. Worse you could even get an infection. In addition, without selecting an artist that practices in a safe environment, you’re at risk for many skin and blood infections.

Before you get a tattoo , make sure you’re frequenting a clean and sterile shop. An autoclave machine should be used for sterilization and the shop should have all permits, certifications and licenses within view.

The artist(s) should look presentable and professional and not appear under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

If you have to question the cleanliness of the establishment, be aware your health could be at risk. No budget tattoo is worth your life, and contaminated needles could spread diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis. Both of which can be fatal.

After Care Risks

After being tattooed always be on the lookout for redness, pain, swelling and pus. Your tattoo should improve over time, not worsen. As tempting as it may be, do not pick or irritate your scab and do not submerse yourself in water or go into the pool until your design has clearly healed.

Think you’re safe from the sun with a new tattoo? You are not. Wear an SPF sunblock of at least 30 at all times on your fresh and existing ink to protect from skin damage, disease and to help prevent fading. In addition, continue to use sunscreen for the life of your tattoo to protect against sun damage.

Design Regrets

In addition to the health, safety and after care risks associated with a tattoo, there is always the risk of inked regret. Before you tattoo any design, give your tattoo proper care and thought in both the design and the artist selection. You’ll be wearing your body ink for a lifetime.

Common tattoo regrets include lovers names and birth dates, sports numbers and high school mascot themes, as well as cartoon and meaningless designs that hold little sentimental value over time.

Try to find a suitable design that represents you, not just a mood or phase you are in. Zodiac signs, favorite flowers and animals are perennial choices rather than trendy tattoo designs. You don;t need to be in a hurry to get a tattoo or dget one because it’s the “cool” thing to do. When you select a tattoo it should make sense forever.

The risks of getting a tattoo include getting an infection from blood borne viruses at the tattoo shop, having a skin allergy or reaction to the tattoo ink, poor healing from improper or compromised aftercare, and lastly, overall regret.

Take the above suggested precautions prior to getting a new tattoo and research the shop and the artists wisely. Be sure to contact your doctor before getting any tattoos if you have a history of skin disease, heart conditions or a compromised immune system.

In addition, really consider your tattoo design and the entire process, from the theme to placement ideas. For starters, temporary tattoos can be fun to play with and can help you better visualize how you’ll feel with a permanent piece of body art. Why not give them a try and test out what part of your body looks best inked?

Spend some time playing with designs and placements and get to know your preferences first and you’re more likely to tattoo a design you’ll love for a lifetime.

Remember, before you ink…THINK.