Tattoos are permanent designs that are made on someone’s body. Tattoos are made permanent by pigments being inserted into the top layer of skin through pricks with a hollow needle. How this is done is “during the procedure, a needle that is connected to a small machine with tubes containing dye pierces the skin repeatedly.” (Mayo Clinic, 2006, Para. 3)
This process can go on for several hours depending on how large and colorful the tattoo is. There might be some bleeding after everything is complete. There will be some redness and swelling around the area. Getting a tattoo will be a bit painful. Right after the tattoo is completed ensure that the tattoo artist explains the instructions on how to clean and care for the tattoo. Cleaning the tattoo is extremely important. Someone who has a tattoo should know how to clean the tattoo. Cleaning the tattoo should be done with soap and water only, followed by applying some type of moisturizer regularly. Do not put the tattoo in direct sunlight or submerge it underwater for the first couple of weeks while it is healing.
Tattoos could take days or possibly weeks to heal. As it heals it will itch and scab over a little. The most important thing is not itch or pick at the scabs. Picking at the scabs will increase the risks of getting and infection and ruin the tattoo.
After the tattoo heals and one wants the tattoo to be removed due to their dislike, there are three different procedures that can be done to get the tattoo removed. The first procedure is