Why I Should Get A Tattoo
By: Connor and Alec
Process
The artist shaves the area that is going to be tattooed and wipes it with alcohol. The artist then applies the special transfer paper to the skin, to give a rough outline. The artist gathers the inks and puts them in the machine then attaches the needle to the machine. The artist starts with a black outline then changes needles for either different colors of thicknesses. When they are done they apply vaseline and then wipe off any excess ink or bodily fluids.
Effects On The Skin
The visual aspect of a tattoo is seen through the epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin. The ink is actually in the second layer of the skin which is the dermis. The ink stays in place because the cells in the dermis are more stable than in the epidermis. The body defends itself when the ink is injected in the skin, as a result the ink is encased by the skin's fibers and stays dormant leaving a virtually permanent image.
Potential Health Risks
Skin infection: redness, pain, swelling, granulomas, keloids. Granulomas are small bumps that can form around tattoo ink. Keloids are raised areas in your skins caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.Bloodborne diseases: tools that are contaminated with infected blood can cause bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tetanus.MRI complications: MRI's can cause swelling or burning of affected areas.
Tattoos Over Time
Over time skin fades and regenerates new cells which causes minor fading. Skin shrinks, ages, and the pigment turns light over time. Age spots, wrinkles, and tanned skin have a great affect on the color and clarity of the image. The epidermis sheds skin roughly every 27 days causing inevitable image distortion. Sun, wind, and water can also negatively affect the appearance of a tattoo.