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.

 

 

 

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"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.

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