8 Important questions to ask yourself before you get a tattoo

Angela Goh

03 May 2017

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What should I be concerned about – Unsafe practices? Or the tattoo ink itself?
You should be cautious of both. Unhygienic practices such as using unsterilised equipment can lead to infections, but so can ink that has been contaminated with mold or bacteria. Ink that has been diluted with non-sterile water can also cause a reaction. And, of course, there is no way to tell if the ink is 100% safe - it can be contaminated even if the container is sealed and the product label declares it is sterile.
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What exactly is in tattoo ink?
Studies have shown that some inks on the market contain pigments used in car paint and printer toner. To date, the FDA has not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes, and there are certainly plenty of tattoo ink products on the market that are yet to be subject to checks and regulations. The bottom line is: getting a tattoo really means you will be subjecting your skin to being injected with substances you can never be 100% sure are safe.
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What reactions may happen after you get a tattoo?
You could develop a rash - bumpy skin, redness, itching - in and around the area of your tattoo. This is a sign of an allergy - and as the inks are permanent, this reaction could persist. You could also develop a fever.

Aggressive infections including high fever, chills, sweats, and shaking might arise. Antibiotics, hospitalisation, or even surgery might be required.
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Is scar tissue build-up common after getting a tattoo?
Because you are essentially causing incisions in your skin when you get a tattoo, the healing process may not always go smoothly. Scar tissue may form, or you might develop “granulomas”, which are small bumps that form around a substance that the body perceives as foreign. If you tend to get scars that form extensive tissue during healing, you may develop the same result from a tattoo.
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Will having a tattoo prevent me from having an MRI?
Certain individuals experience swelling or burning in their tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although this is rare and usually doesn’t last very long. You should let your healthcare professional know you have a tattoo before an MRI is scheduled.
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Is it wise to use do-it-yourself tattoo inks and kits?
First-timers might be tempted to use DIY inks and kits to save on costs (or to experiment on themselves). With the lack of professional experience, they will more than likely not be able to control and avoid all sources of contamination.
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Could problems occur further down the road after getting a tattoo?
There are still many questions about the long-term effects of having a tattoo. The FDA has received reports of reactions to inks right after the process and even years later. It is possible to develop post-tattoo allergies to other substances such as hair dyes, especially if your tattoo contains p-phenylenediamene (PPD).
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If I get a tattoo and then develop an infection or bad reaction, what should I do?
Definitely contact your healthcare professional.

Secondly, contact your tattoo artist and notify them of your condition so that he/she can identify the ink and avoid using it in the future. Ask them for the brand, product number, colour, what was used to dilute the product, etc - anything to help your doctor identify the source of the problem.

What should I be concerned about - Unsafe practices? Or the tattoo ink itself?

Are tattoos safe? As the trend of getting oneself inked increases in popularity, we attempt to keep you informed about the risks.

It would seem that tattoos are getting trendier by the decade. With its rise in popularity, we’ve been seeing the likes of designer tattoos, celebrated tattoo artists, and even reality TV shows centered around people getting their skin inked. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recently raised concerns over reports of infections and adverse reactions in certain individuals who have gotten tattoos.

In a study done between 2004 and 2016, the FDA received 363 adverse event reports involving tattoos. This raises the issue of health and safety regarding this popular trend and people should be taking into account things such as ink allergies, hygiene standards, and unsafe practices.

The FDA has recommended that people ask themselves 8 important questions before getting a tattoo. Head up to the gallery to find out what they are.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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