Tattoos are a popular method of personal expression in many countries and cultures around the world. These permanent, often colorful designs are embedded in the top few layers of your skin. Many people get tattoos as a way to symbolize something important to them; others do so because of cultural norms or in order to make a statement. If you are considering getting a tattoo, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of tattoo care, methodology, and tattoo removal, should you decide you no longer want the design.

The two most important things to keep in mind when considering a tattoo are the reputation and level of professionalism of the person or studio you get them from, and the process of tattoo removal. A tattoo is a permanent mark on your skin, and once you have been tattooed it is difficult, though not impossible, to reverse the process.

When you look into tattoo artists and tattoo studios, you should ask some questions about their processes. Always ensure the tattoo artist or studio uses autoclave sterilized equipment and disposable needles. With a tattoo, there is a strong possibility of skin infection if the artist uses contaminated equipment. Be sure to visit the studio or tattoo artist's home location before you consent to being tattooed, and also ask to view samples of his or her work. You will want to be satisfied with the final result! Aftercare for tattoo

work is a matter of keeping the tattoo area bandaged for at least 12 hours following the work, and then keeping it clean, moistened with ointment such as A&D or petroleum jelly, and relatively dry for a month following. New tattoos should not be exposed to sunlight for extended lengths of time, as this can cause fading.

If you should decide to have a tattoo removed, you should be familiar with the various methods of tattoo removal. The most commonly used method is laser removal, which is relatively safe, painless and bloodless. Other tattoo removal methods include dermabrasion (the skin is "sanded”), cryosurgery (the area is frozen prior to removal), and excision (removal with a scalpel; the skin is then stitched together to cover the wound). With any tattoo removal process, there is a resultant scarred area—for this reason, it is important to be as sure as possible that you want a tattoo before you get one!

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