Would you get a tattoo?

Ladygrim

I had always wanted a tattoo, and had spen YEARS thinking about what to have, where to have it and who to have it done by. Had my 40th birthday this year and finally got it done. I found a design online for some snowdrops, and have had them put on my upper arm in memory of my mother who passed away last year.

Now I am thinking about what to have for my father, who also passed away last year, (he was always difficult to buy for!!). I do know that I am pleased a punch with the results and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!

To all of you who worry about what it might look like in later years, the lady before me was 83 and had had Muhammed Ali tattooed on her arm...! She was looking forward to showing her grand-children.

Ted_Hutchinson

Tattoos are not a healthy lifestyle choice.

We have shown the cleavage of the tattoo pigment Red 22 when exposed to UVB radiation or natural sunlight. The decomposition products are hazardous showing a potential risk of being toxic or even carcinogenic.

There have been cases of tattoos transmitting mrsa

There are other nasty allergic reactions that can occur.

It could cause problems identifying or treating melanoma.

I feel it is sad that so many people are into this or any form of self-harm.

Tattoos are popular among adolescents for a variety of reasons and may be associated with other high-risk behaviors. Research indicates that adolescents may not comprehend potential health risks and complications that are related to tattooing. Case reports of infection, tattoo-associated dermatoses, and allergic reactions to tattoos continue to be reported in the literature. Additional cases of allergic contact dermatitis are being reported with temporary henna tattooing and cosmetic tattoos. As the desire for tattoo removal increases, researchers continue to explore safe, innovative and efficacious methods of tattoo removal. SUMMARY: As the popularity of tattooing continues to rise, so do the potential complications and adverse effects. Treatment options for tattoos are well described and must be individualized to each patient. Lasers continue to be a reliable and efficacious tool in treating amateur, professional, cosmetic and traumatic tattoos.

JennyW_2

noonesperfect wrote: »

I can see more cons than pros if I'm truthful!

As toothsmith says, what looks good in your 20's is often not appropriate in later life. I like to see young men with tribal artwork on their arms but how will it look when they reach their 50's or 60's?

but who's gonna care when you're in 60's???? You're hardly going to be prancing around in cropped t-shirts and hotpants!

Ladygrim

Ted_Hutchinson wrote: »

Tattoos are not a healthy lifestyle choice.

We have shown the cleavage of the tattoo pigment Red 22 when exposed to UVB radiation or natural sunlight. The decomposition products are hazardous showing a potential risk of being toxic or even carcinogenic.

There have been cases of tattoos transmitting mrsa

There are other nasty allergic reactions that can occur.

It could cause problems identifying or treating melanoma.

I feel it is sad that so many people are into this or any form of self-harm.

Tattoos are popular among adolescents for a variety of reasons and may be associated with other high-risk behaviors. Research indicates that adolescents may not comprehend potential health risks and complications that are related to tattooing. Case reports of infection, tattoo-associated dermatoses, and allergic reactions to tattoos continue to be reported in the literature. Additional cases of allergic contact dermatitis are being reported with temporary henna tattooing and cosmetic tattoos. As the desire for tattoo removal increases, researchers continue to explore safe, innovative and efficacious methods of tattoo removal. SUMMARY: As the popularity of tattooing continues to rise, so do the potential complications and adverse effects. Treatment options for tattoos are well described and must be individualized to each patient. Lasers continue to be a reliable and efficacious tool in treating amateur, professional, cosmetic and traumatic tattoos.

Ted,
That is why I spent several years thinking about it before actually having it done. I made sure I spoke to as many people as possible about who to go to, I checked out the tattooist himself, (fully qualified, years in business, very very clean, etc etc), I asked his previous customers and looked at their results, and he was 100% perfect for me.

He has very high standards, and would not even consider doing tattoos on ANYONE who had had a drink. If you dont check out the tattooist, you have only yourself to blame!

Penny_Watcher

Toothsmith wrote: »

In a few years time, someone is going to make an absolute fortune by setting up a chain of tattoo removal clinics.

At present, the only reliable way to do it is via skin grafts, or loads of very expensive laser sessions.

Can you imagine all these slim young ladies with lower back tattoos in 20-30 yrs time, after a few kids???

It'll be like Dahli's melting clocks!!!!

Linky to "Lower Back Tattoo" funny vid :rolleyes:

AnnieH

I had 2 tattoos at age 16/17. I'm not that keen on them now I'm in my 30's. i thought it was cool at the time. Now when people mention them i just say it is a sign of mis-spent youth.

stamford

noonesperfect wrote: »

If you were aged between 45 and 50?

Female and no piercings other than a single hole in either ear...

....and could get it done free by an experienced tattoo artist?

What a ghastly thought :eek:

alanalea

Definately!

My mum is 65 this year and I got her a beautiful old witch tattoo on her arm for it. She has quite a few, her first one was done when she was 16. All of them have been done by the same tattoo artist- he has done all of mine aswell. Mum would love another tattoo- but she has to wait until next years birthday

As she says, at her time in life, who cares what everyone else thinks- she's happy with all of hers as they all mean something, and are for different stages of her life.

Go for it, have fun!

stamford

JennyW wrote: »

I'm 40 and have 5. This is my latest one had it done for my father who died 3 years ago. It's done the side of my leg. Ensure your tattoo has meaning though and not just random picture.

The bird signifies a free spirit (as my dad is now), and the word "father" is inserted between the tail feathers.

What language does one need to speak to be able to translate the symbol between the tail feathers ?

nuttywoman

Well i`m 55 and my sister is 50 this year and we`ve both decided to have a tattoo.Just to pick the right design for me now, sister wants a small flower or bird on top of her shoulder.Me, i fancy something on my wrist.