Etymology of Tattoo
Tattaow is how it was spelt back
in the 18th century and it is known as tatau in Polynesian, in Tahitian as tatu
and it was introduced into the English dictionary where it underwent a change
to conform to English phonology as tattoo. It gained popularity through sailors
who introduced tattooing to the world.
Ever since the 70's it has become
fashionable to have tattoos and both sexes from all economic classes, age
groups, from later teen years to middle age opt to have tattoos. Having decided
to get a tattoo, you also need to know what the consequences of getting a
tattoo can be.
Health Risks involved in getting
a Tattoo
Before you decide to get a tattoo
beware of the risks you will be undertaking:
- FDA regulates the inks used in the tattoo but does not have any regulations with reference to the practice of tattooing.
- When injecting a substance into the skin, in this case tattoo ink, you are risking infection; although small the risks include hepatitis, staph, or warts.
- Other possible health risks involve unsterilized tools such as the needles or gun, and ink that have been contaminated, can lead to infection.
- Depending on which part of your body you are being tattooed on, and since the skin is being punctured, bleeding is inevitable which could put you at a risk for blood borne diseases such as hepatitis B.
- Tattoo ink ingredients may vary but they do contain metals like mercury and nickel. And the ink can cause inflammation and scarring.
- Tattoos are very difficult to remove; they can be lightened, but complete removal is a challenge, and you have to accept the fact that the skin will never look the same again.
Tattoo Regrets
While in the heat of the moment
one opts to get tattooed, sooner or later along comes regret and perhaps
embarrassment too. A survey conducted showed that 53 percent men, 47 percent
women, from people ages 16 and older (half of them were older than age 40), who
had visible tattoos, regretted getting their tattoos and were thinking about
having their tattoo or tattoos removed. According to Mayo Clinic (a nonprofit
worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all
walks of life), tattoo removal can be completed either by surgery, laser
surgery or dermarasion, but should never be attempted without a licensed
doctor's help.
Though most tattoos are thought
to be for keeps, most often it is possible to remove them, either completely or
to some extent with laser treatments. Removing tattoos with an FDA approved
laser is now considered the best and most competent method. The Tattoo removal
laser efficiently breaks down the ink. Two wavelengths of light are generally
used to break down a wide spectrum of tattoo ink. The number of sittings to remove
an unwanted tattoo would depend on the size and location of the tattoo which
could be anywhere from three to four treatments, spaced eight weeks apart. The
cost of the complete treatment could vary from US$700 to several 1000 dollars.
Laser tattoo removal uses heat to destroy the dyes used in the tattoos and
therefore, in all likelihood scarring, discoloration, or even possibly an
outline of the tattoo could be left behind as a residue. Is it painful to
remove a tattoo? Since the skin is a protective layer and is sensitive to heat,
cold, etc, the laser removal of a tattoo most definitely will be painful. The
sensation is likened to a snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
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