More Than

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More Than
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A Temporary
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Matter
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INTERESTING FACTS
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• Tattooing injects ink into the skin by an
  electrically powered tattoo machine. A solid
  needle punctures the skin between 50-30,000 times
  per minute!

• Tattoo ink being deposited into the dermis.

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• When you see a tattoo on a persons skin, you are
  seeing the ink through the epidermis (outer layer
  of the skin). However the ink of a tattoo is
  actually deposited in the dermis (the second
  layer of the skin).

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DISEASES FROM TATTOOING
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• As long as the tattoo artist follows correct
  sterilization and sanitation procedures, the risk
  of contracting a disease is relatively low.
• But the truth is, diseases can be contracted (and
  some can be fatal). Here are common diseases
  from tattooing
• Hepatitis (this is a common one can cause liver
  failure)
• HIV (no documented cases in professional tattoo
  parlors)
• Syphilis
• Allergic reactions to tattoo ink (FDA doesnt
  regulate inks)
• Tuberculosis

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• Pam Anderson contracted Hepatitis from sharing a
  tattoo needle with her ex-husband, Tommy Lee.

• Late stage syphilis

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SOME THINGS TO PONDER

• Sure, that tattoo is cute now, but what will it
  look like 50 years from now?!

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• A tattoo is permanent this means you have it for
  life! (Just think of how hard it was to pick your
  major)
• Tattoos arent one size fits all!! Discuss size
  and color with your tattoo artist to achieve the
  look you want.
• When shopping around, dont shop for price,
  shop for quality! Quality and safety are going
  to cost more, youre paying for a more
  experienced artist and better tattoo.
• DO look for artists affiliated with professional
  organizationsthese artists are often more
  familiar with current trends, innovations and
  safety issues.

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OKAY, SO YOURE GETTING A TATTOOHERES WHAT TO
KNOW AND DO BEFOREHAND
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• There is no governing body that regulates or
  inspects tattoo parlorslaws allow anyone to buy
  equipment, get a license and start doing tattoos.
• Inspect the tattoo parlor to see if the studio is
  clean and professionaljust like a medical
  facility.
• Ask Questions!! A good tattoo artist will welcome
  the questions. You have a right to know what will
  be happening to your body.

• www.safe-tattoos.com to find a professional
  artist in your area

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BUT WHAT DO I ASK BEFORE GETTING MY TATTOO?
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• Ask, does each client get new needles? Each
  client should get new needles to prevent the
  spread of infection (just like in a doctors
  office).
• How are other parts of the tattoo machine
  cleaned? They should be cleaned in an autoclave
  (a machine used in hospitals to clean surgical
  tools).
• Does the tattooist wear gloves?
• Does the tattooist ask the client about any
  significant medical history? (This helps decrease
  spread of blood-borne diseases).

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• What do tattoo needles and autoclaves look like?

• Autoclave (sterilizes tattoo machine tools).

• Various types of tattoo needles (come in
  different sizes-like paint brushes).

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• Does the artist have a portfolio of his/her work?
• Even better, does the artist have references?
• Remember, no artistic ability is needed to be a
  tattoo artist!
• What is the artists experience and
  qualifications in the tattoo field?

• Observe the artist at work

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IM SITTING IN THE CHAIR WAITING TO GET
TATTOOEDNOW WHAT??
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• Insist that you see the tattoo artist remove a
  new needle and tube set-up from a sealed sterile
  package immediately prior to beginning.
• Be certain you see your tattooist pour new ink
  into individual disposable containersthis
  prevents contamination of the ink.
• Observe the tattoo artist wash his/her hands
  before beginning your tattoo.
• Make sure the artist puts on a new pair of
  disposable gloves before setting up tubes,
  needles, and ink supplies.
• Dont hesitate to ask questions while getting
  tattooed. A good artist will describe the
  process as he/she performs the tattooing
  procedure.

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• Proper Tattoo set up

• New razor to shave where tattoo will be.

• Plastic bags over intruments to decrease
  infections.

• Clean cloth to cover tray
• Small separate ink containers to prevent
  contamination.

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MY TATTOO LOOKS GREAT! HOW DO I GET IT TO STAY
THAT WAY?
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• A professional tattoo parlor will give you a
  sheet of printed after care instructionsthey
  give this out for a reason!
• Improper after care of a tattoo can increase the
  risks of infection, and can permanently damage
  the image of the tattoo.
• Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight
  (avoid tanning)!
• Keep the tattoo properly cleaned using a mild
  antibiotic soap.
• Dont pick at the scab and avoid rubbing the area
  (this allows for proper healing).
• For more in depth instructions ask your tattoo
  artist, or check out www.science.howstuffworks.com
  /tattoo.htm

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Okay, so you think that if you dont like your
tattoo you can just get it removed? You may want
to think again
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• Laser removal uses short impulses of intense
  light to selectively break down tattoo ink in the
  skin.
• The broken down ink is then removed by the bodys
  immune system.

• Laser removal of tattoo

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• Tattoo removal is usually performed with lasers,
  and is considered a cosmetic procedure (not
  covered by health insurance).
• Removal costs 200 and up per session!
• It can take anywhere from 40 or more sessions for
  the tattoo to fade.
• Yellow and red inks are the hardest to remove
  black is the easiest. But no matter what, there
  will most likely always be remnants of the tattoo
  left behind.
• Talk about painthe feeling of tattoo removal is
  equivalent of have a hot iron placed on your skin
  (even with the laser on the lowest settingOUCH!