Temporarily Permanent

                                            
                  Photo Credit: Permanent Tattoos

            Tattoos are a prevalent part of our society. Many teens gift themselves with a tattoo as soon as they turn eighteen. But tattoos aren’t only common among teens, but among people of all ages. “It is estimated that close to 10% of the U.S. population has some sort of tattoo”(Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure). The problem is, it’s permanent and sometimes people think they want something on their body forever only to change their mind later on. Because of this, laser tattoo removal has become one of the fastest growing areas in the industry of dermatology. “According to the American Society of Dermatological surgery, over 50% of everyone receiving a tattoo wants it removed”(TATTOO). Laser tattoo removal is a complicated process that affects people differently but is continually improving.

            There are different types of lasers used in tattoo removal, but the color of the tattoo determines the type of laser necessary. Darker colors are generally easier to remove because they absorb the light better. The depth and density of the ink is the biggest factor in determining how successful the removal of a tattoo will be. After each treatment, the laser fragments more ink and penetrates a little deeper into the skin, often followed by blistering and scarring (Laser Tattoo Removal). Some tattoos disappear after just a couple treatments, while others require more. Either way, the tattoo should get increasingly lighter after each treatment.

            There are some risks to getting laser tattoo removal. The skin sometimes becomes more prone to infections if not taken care of.  The treated area could also become lighter or darker compared to skin of the surrounding area. Laser tattoo removal could also leave a patient with a permanent scar. It is very important that a patient takes great care of the treated area by applying some kind of antibiotic cream or ointment to aid the healing process.

            Laser tattoo removal is a very painful process to some people while to others, it feels similar to being snapped by a rubber band. Technology is constantly improving making the process not only less and less painful, but also more affective with less of a risk of scarring. Laser removal is a safer method compared to others because the laser is able to selectively treat the tattoo pigment.

            Tattoos are fun, cool, and dangerous. It’s something that most people find attractive.  But before getting one, make sure it’s something you’ll want on your body for a long time, because it sure is a waste of money getting it done, just to have it removed a few years down the road.

 

 

 

"Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure, Benefits, and Risks." WebMD. WebMD, 10 Jan. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal?page=2.

"Laser Tattoo Removal." Laser Tattoo Removal. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. http://www.lasertreatments.com/Lasertattooremoval/index.html.

"TATTOO The Mark of Regret." TATTOO The Mark of Regret. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/regret.html.

 

Cosmetic Tattooing

           When the word “tattoos” is brought up, many people think of ink images on the body. Perhaps a butterfly tramp stamp comes to mind, a koi fish on the leg, or even a script on the ribs. However, there is another kind of tattoo that is more subtle and is growing in popularity. It is known as cosmetic tattoo or permanent make-up. Permanent make-up is applied like a regular tattoo, and like regular tattoos, it has its benefits and risks.

 Photo Credit : www.carolefranckspa.com

            Getting a permanent make-up is much like getting a regular tattoo in that a needle is used to penetrate the skin and release the ink. Although, before the permanent make-up is applied, a patch test is done on the skin of the customer to make sure that he or she is not allergic to the ink being used. A sterile surgical pen is then used to outline the area that will be tattooed before anesthetic gel is applied to the skin to decrease the pain. Using a vibrating needle, the technician will apply the pigment into the top layer of the skin; each time the needle penetrates the skin, a droplet of pigment is released into the hole the needle makes (Permanent Makeup Information). In the beginning, the tattoo will be dark and shiny, while the surrounding skin will be swollen and red. But after about three weeks, the skin should settle and the color will fade to its permanent shade.

            Cosmetic tattoo include tattooing over scars; permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, and lipstick; and lip shading. It could also be used for “areola restoration and 3D nipple tattooing following breast cancer or breast augmentation surgeries” (Cosmetic Tattooing). Because of these, there are benefits like defining and enhancing natural features, less time getting ready in the morning, and even saving money not having to buy new make-up every month. Permanent make-up is a great alternative for someone who’s allergic to make-up. It is also a terrific solution for someone with poor eyesight, arthritis, shaky hands, or any other kind of disability making it hard to apply make-up on a daily basis.

            Cosmetic tattoo or Permanent make-up seems like a great idea but it also have some downsides. Permanent make-up leaves no room for experimenting with other colors and it’s possible that the person may not like it ten years later. There is also a risk of getting an infection or an allergic reaction to the pigments used- “During 2003 and 2004, the FDA became aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers to certain permanent make-up ink shades” (Cosmetics). This could be avoided by first testing the ink on a small patch of skin to see if there will be any allergic reactions and making sure that the artist is licensed and uses sterile equipment.

            Being a girl who takes a long time to get ready and buys make-up on the regular, I find the idea of permanent make-up intriguing. But being someone who likes to change things up every now and then, I’m not sure if I can commit to permanent make-up. One thing is for sure though, if somewhere down the road I do decide to do it, I’ll be sure to do more research and go to a licensed professional.

 

 

 

"Cosmetics." Tattoos & Permanent Makeup. N.p., 07 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"Cosmetic Tattooing." Dragonfly Ink RSS2. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"Permanent Makeup Information: Eyeliner, Lipstick, and More." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"Permanent Makeup." Free Tattoo Designs. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

Company Policies

           As piercings and tattoos become more prevalent among teens as well as older people, the work place has had to adjust to the growing number of employees sporting them. A 2006 Pew Research Survey reported that 36 percent of 18-25 year olds and 40 percent of 26-40 year olds have at least one tattoo (Tattoos & Piercings). Because of the growing population with tattoos and piercings, employers have come to realize that they need to be more welcoming or at least be ready to compromise with those candidates. With this shift, it is best that companies have well written dress codes (including their views on piercings and tattoos), that employees know their rights, and that employees know other tactics to draw attention away from their tattoo or piercing if needed.

            Some workplaces that target young demographic like salons, retailer for teens, design firms, body art might be welcomed. However, places where suit-and-tie is a must, the more professional environments, bosses may want those tattoos and piercings hidden. Employers with dress codes that are too vague are very likely to come across problems. “Once a company provides employees with a well versed Company Policy, it can aid in avoiding legal issues in all aspects of the work environment”( Tattoo and Body Piercings). Places like Disney World and Wal-Mart have specific policies pertaining to visible tattoos. It is usually only an employment issue when it’s visible and becomes distracting to those around.

            As an employee, it would be smart to know rights and be sure the company is not being discriminatory. A company can tell its employees not to wear piercings or tattoos to work and all that would be legal.  On the other hand, they can’t use it as grounds to fire someone. If they come out with a new policy, it is best for them that it is in written form. If they make any changes to the dress code, it must be applicable to everyone.

            For those in working environments where tattoos and piercings must be hidden or less visible, there are many ways to keep your tattoo and still be able to comply with company rues. For tattoos, it’s always easiest to just hide them with clothes, whether that means wearing pants or wearing long sleeves. Females can also camouflage their wrist tattoos by wearing bracelets. For tattoos that can’t be covered with clothes they can use band-aids or opaque make-up to cover them up. Piercings are easier because they can be removed but if is not an option at the moment, people can also use piercing retainers, which is clear, less visible, and will keep the hole from closing.

            Bottom line is, though more and more companies are becoming lenient when it comes to body art, each one of them is different and will have different dress codes. When coming in for an interview, make sure to check the company’s dress code, or just cover up the tattoos and piercings to play it safe.

 

 

 

Icon, Erica. "Working World." Working World. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. http://www.workingworld.com/articles/Tattoos-and-Piercings-in-the-Workplace.

"Body Art and Tattoos in the Workplace | Fox News." Fox News. FOX News Network, 21 Oct. 2006. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,223178,00.html.

"Tattoos & Piercings in the Workplace." Careerlinecom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. http://www.career-line.com/job-search/tattoos-piercings-in-the-workplace/.

"Tattoos and Body Piercings in the Work Place." HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. http://njscbullock.hubpages.com/hub/Tattoos-and-Body-Piercings-in-the-Work-Place.

 

 

Then and Now

             Tattoos have existed for eons and are one of the oldest forms of art. Due to pain, persistence and drawing of blood, early humans have given it a mystical significance (Tattoo Star). Many ancient tribes used tattoos to show membership in a clan, rank, or even as a coming of age ritual. One tribe that I find very interesting is the Maori people of New Zealand.  Both men and women received tattoos in various parts of the body that conveyed different meanings. What’s interesting is that though this ritual has declined in the 20^th century, it has seen a revival in recent years.

            The traditional tribal tattoos of the Maoris are called “Ta Moko” or facial tattoos, but the men also received bold spiral tattoos on their legs and buttocks (Phatak, Omkar). The placement of their tattoos expressed their clan membership, knowledge or rank. Tattooing for the Maori man was a long process that started in adolescence and continued to adulthood.

            The women of the tribe, on the other hand, received Ta Mokos limited to the lips and chin. However, they also received tattoos on the back, legs, and buttocks. Their tattoos mainly conveyed their rank, but it could also mean she was arranged to be married or it could mean her membership to the tribe.

            In the ancient times, chisels made from animal bones were used to apply the ink through slits in the skin. The ink was from animal sources and contained the processed remains of a fungus infected caterpillar (Phatak, Omkar). Because tribal Maori tattoos have seen a revival in recent years, it is fortunate for the Maori people of today that tattoos are done with modern tattooing techniques. Though tattoos are a form of art for a lot of people, it is much more meaningful for the Maori. It is an expression of cultural pride and integrity; it shows who they are and where the come from (Maori Culture).

 

 

"Tattoo Star." : Ritual Tattoo. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013

Phatak, Omkar. Buzzle.com. Buzzle.com, 27 Apr. 2010. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

"Moko Meaning." TheMaoricom Blog Posts RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

"Maori Culture." Ta Moko. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013

Addictions

          Addicting. That’s a word that’s been used plenty of times by both numerous family members and friends that have tattoos. I’ve been told “it’s hard to get just one” or “once you start, you can’t stop”. For someone without a tattoo and is interested in getting one, I decided to do some research. What I found is that there are both physiological and psychological reasons why some people insist on getting multiple tattoos even though it’s painful.

            It’s been said that tattoos are painful. It is exactly that pain that causes the body’s sympathetic nervoussystem, the part responsible for triggering the fight-or-flight response, to release adrenaline to the body (15 Reasons). This adrenaline rush from tattoos gives adrenaline junkies such a “high” that it becomes addicting. Pain from tattoos not only causes the body to release adrenaline but causes the brain to release endorphins as well. This is another chemical that acts as a natural high and is associated with other activities like exercise and sex (15 Reasons). Not only do endorphins make some people feel good, they also sometimes relieve stress making tattoos relaxing for others (Quirk).

            Tattoos also trigger different feelings for different people. There are those who get a sense of freedom, people who see tattoos as art that they want tattooed on them as a form of self-expression. Many people get their tattoos custom drawn and choose tattoos that hold some sort of meaning. There is also the feeling of rebellion, people who get tattoos to prove that they are in control of their own body. Others do it to feel like they belong, whether it be in a group, with someone, or just in their own generation. To others, it may even be a collection, a passion, the need to acquire as many tattoos as possible.

            There are many possible reasons as to why people get multiple tattoos. I kind of understand how both the body’s chemical reactions and the various feelings that come from tattoos could cause addictions. It would be interesting to see how it would make me feel when I finally manage to gain the courage to get my first tattoo and I wonder if I would get “addicted”.

"15 Reasons Someone Could Become Addicted to Tattoos | New Look Houston." New Look Houston. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2013.

Quirk, Daily. "5 Reasons Why Tattoos Are Addicting." The Daily Quirk. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2013.

Swelling,Infections, and a Few Complications

Many teens today have anywhere from one to multiple piercings. It’s pretty, it’s cool, and it’s sometimes a way to make a statement. Though the actual piercing itself might hurt a little, it is usually a quick process. It’s after the piercing, the healing process, that usually gives people trouble. No matter how people perceive it, having a piercing is having a piece of metal through the skin, a foreign object that is not really meant to be there. So of course, after a piercing, swelling is likely to occur. Some people might also have allergic reactions, or skin infections, or other complications not uncommon when it comes to piercings.

A little redness and swelling is normal for new piercings, though some piercing sites swell more than others. Tongue piercings and piercings on thicker parts of the cartilage around the ear cause a bit more swelling. I remember that when I got my conch pierced, my right ear was so red and swelled close to twice the size of my left ear for nearly three days, that I actually considered removing the piercing. It eventually got better and I am now in love with it. Redness can also be a sign of irritation or an allergic reaction. This is usually due to the jewelry, particularly those with nickel, so be sure to ask the piercer questions about the jewelry before getting a piercing.

Skin infections can also occur with piercings. There might be some redness, a little pain, and a pus-like discharge. A friend of mine got her navel pierced and ended up removing it after a few weeks because it got infected, so be sure to clean new piercings really well. Other skin problems, like scars and keloids- “raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue” (Mayo Clinic staff) can also result from piercings. I have another friend, this time with his industrial pierced, who ended up removing the piercing due to a keloid forming on the back of his ear.

Other problems include oral and dental complications that can result from lip and tongue piercings. Both can cause a chipped tooth and gum bleeding is not entirely uncommon for someone with a lip piercing. Trauma is another complication associated with piercings, where the piercing might get caught somewhere causing the skin to tear a little. This can happen to ear, navel, nipple, and genital piercings and sometimes surgery may be required to fix some injuries.

So the bottom line is, piercings may be cool and attractive but getting it done is only half the battle. It is not worry free, it is something that has to be taken care of and cleaned regularly. Honestly, it is much more of a commitment than many people realize. So before getting one, be sure that it’s really what you want and know the risks that come with it.

 

 

Cenzon, Matthew. "Types Of Body Piercings And Complications." Symptomfind.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://www.symptomfind.com/health/types-of-body-piercings-and-complications/.

Ross, Stephen C., M.D. "UCLA Department of Medicine - Wfsection-Complications of Body Piercing." UCLA Department of Medicine - Wfsection-Complications of Body Piercing. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://www.med.ucla.edu/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=158.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Piercings: How to Prevent Complications." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 06 Mar. 2012. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/piercings/SN00049.

"Materials Used to Make Body Jewelry." About.com Tattoos / Body Piercings. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://tattoo.about.com/od/piercingsgeneralinfo/a/bjmaterials.htm.

 

Microdermal Piercings

         Something new in the piercing world and is gaining more popularity among teens is the microdermal piercing also known as dermal anchoring or microdermal transplant. It is a semi-permanent piercing that is a fashion statement for most. It’s great because it can be done just about anywhere on the body and it can be worn by itself, in a pattern, or even incorporated into a tattoo.

 

 All photos from : tattoo lou's

          The microdermal jewelry comes in two parts: the anchor and the stud. To insert the jewelry, the skin is first sterilized and then the piercer marks the location of the piercing with a surgical ink. A dermal punch is then used to remove tissue underneath the skin and then forceps are used to insert the anchor under the skin, any blood from the piercing site is removed with a Q-tip. It is normal for the piercing to bleed a little in the first few minutes to an hour after it is initially pierced. A band-aid is then applied to the piercing to keep bacteria and dirt from entering. To see a more thorough step by step and more images, click here.

          Microdermals take around 4-12 weeks to heal and is cleaned like most other piercings. It is best to clean it with anti-bacterial soap, or clean/ soak it in saltwater solution using non-iodized sea salt.

          Although Microdermal piercings seem really cool, there are some downsides. First, because some tissue is taken out in the process, it is slightly more painful that regular piercings. Second, there is always a chance of rejection with piercings, with the body trying to protect itself and pushing out the piercing. With a microdermal piercing, rejection can cause permanent scaring in the location of the piercing. However, there is only a 2% rejection rate when it comes to microdermals, which is good. Third, because the piercing is underneath the skin, it is difficult to remove. A scalpel must be used to cut the skin open a little in order to remove the anchor which is painful and it’s best to go to a professional when it comes to the removal of a microdermal piercing to be sure that it’s taken out correctly and with a minimum amount of scarring.

          I think that microdermal piercings are pretty cool but I don’t think they’re for me. It’s seems quite painful and it’s pretty permanent once you get it so it’s kind of a commitment once you have one. But if you are interested in getting one, ask around, do some research and be sure to go to a professional.

 

 

 

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