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Tattoos

Book Summary   by:prettygirl     Original Author: dsg
  • Summary rating: 5 stars (8 Ratings)
  • Visits : 59
  • words:900 
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So What Exactly Is a Tattoo?
A tattoo is a puncture wound, made deep in your skin, that''s filled with ink. It''s made by penetrating your skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area, usually creating some sort of design. What makes tattoos so long-lasting is they''re so deep — the ink isn''t injected into the epidermis (the top layer of skin that you continue to produce and shed throughout your lifetime). Instead, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically permanent.
Tattoos used to be done manually — that is, the tattoo artist would puncture the skin with a needle and inject the ink by hand. Though this process is still used in some parts of the world, most tattoo shops use a tattoo machine these days. A tattoo machine is a handheld electric instrument that uses a tube and needle system. On one end is a sterilized needle, which is attached to tubes that contain ink. A foot switch is used to turn on the machine, which moves the needle in and out while driving the ink about 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) into your skin.
Most tattoo artists know how deep to drive the needle into your skin, but not going deep enough will produce a ragged tattoo, and going too deep can cause bleeding and intense pain. Getting a tattoo can take several hours, depending on the size and design chosen.
Does It Hurt to Get a Tattoo?
Getting a tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain can vary. Because getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. Some people describe the tattoo sensation as "tingling." It all depends on your pain threshold, how good the person wielding the tattoo machine is, and where exactly on your body you''re getting the tattoo. Also, keep in mind that you''ll probably bleed a little.
What''s the Procedure Like?
Here''s what you can expect from a normal tattooing procedure:

The tattoo artist will first wash his or her hands with a germicidal soap.
The to-be-tattooed area on your body will be cleaned and disinfected.
The tattoo artist will put on clean, fresh gloves (and possibly a surgical mask).
The tattoo artist will explain the sterilization procedure to you and open up the single-use, sterilized equipment (such as needles, etc.).
Using the tattoo machine (with a sterile, single-use needle attached), the tattoo artist will begin drawing an outline of the tattoo under your skin.
The outline will be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water.
Sterile, thicker needles will be installed on the tattoo machine, and the tattoo artist will start shading the design. After cleaning the area again, color will be injected.
Any blood will be removed by a sterile, disposable cloth or towel.
When finished, the area, now sporting a finished tattoo, will be cleaned once again and a bandage will be applied.
Taking Care of a Tattoo
The last step in getting a tattoo is very important — taking care of the tattoo until it fully heals. Follow all of the instructions the studio gives you for caring for your tattoo to make sure it heals properly. Also, keep in mind that it''s very important to call your doctor right away if you see or feel any signs of infection such as pain, spreading redness, swelling, or drainage of pus. To make sure your tattoo heals properly:

Keep a bandage on the area for up to 24 hours.
Avoid touching the tattooed area and don''t pick at any scabs that may form.
Wash the tattoo with an antibacterial soap (don''t use alcohol or peroxide — they''ll dry out the tattoo). Use a soft towel to dry the tattoo — just pat it dry and be sure not to rub it.
If you don''t have an allergy to antibiotic ointment, rub some into the tattoo. Don''t use petroleum jelly — it may cause the tattoo to fade.
Put an ice pack on the tatdness or swelling.
Try not to get the tattoo wet until it fully heals. Stay away from pools, hot tubs, or long, hot baths.
Keep your tattoo away from the sun until it''s fully healed.
Even after it''s fully healed, a tattoo is more susceptible to the sun''s rays, so it''s a good idea to always keep it protected from direct sunlight. If you''re outside often or hang out at the beach, it''s recommended that you always wear a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 on the tattoo. This not only protects your skin, but keeps the tattoo from fading.
Published: January 09, 2008   
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