Before you make the decision to tattoo your body, I think it is best to initially get an overview of the art of tattooing. Since it is your body, it is better for you to know what tattoo are all about, the way it works, and most importantly, the risk factors involved in this artwork.

Tattoo comes from the Polynesian word tatau (ta means hand, repeated twice and u translates to color). A tattoo is a permanent marking which is made by inserting ink or pigments into the skin layers. A needle that is connected to a small machine, with tubes containing dyes, pierces through the skin repeatedly. With every puncture of the skin, the needle releases tiny droplets of ink. You may experience different degree of pain during the procedure.

You have to be aware of the risks involved in tattooing your body. Complications are relatively uncommon. However, since the process involves the skin, here are the factors to consider before you tattoo your body:

1. Infected equipment can cause infections to pass from one person to another.

2. Allergic skin reactions may arise due to use of the dyes.

3. Your body may form bumps around the tattoo area and scarring may form.

4. Tattoos can lead to local bacterial infections when infection-control procedures are not adhered to.

5. Though rare and temporary, you may get swelling or burning in the tattooed area during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.

You must take good care of your tattoo and ensure that it is properly cleaned with soap and water. Apply a moisturizer regularly and do not expose yourself to sunlight at least for the first few weeks. Tattoos may take a few days to heal.

Other factors to consider before you tattoo your body:

1. Check that the tattoo studio is legally registered by the local authority.

2. Ensure that the studio adopts strict and complete standard operation procedures on heat sterilization of all non disposable equipment after each use by a customer.

3. Make sure that the tattooist uses needles and tubes from sterilized unopened pack before the start of each tattoo procedure and ensure that fresh gloves are worn for each tattoo procedure.

A tattoo is supposed to be a permanent body artwork. However, just in case you are dissatisfied with the artwork, you can always have the tattoo removed, albeit with difficult. I have to remind you, though, that irrespective of the way the removal procedure is conducted, there will still be skin color variation and scarring.

Tattoo removal methods include:

1. Laser surgery-where the laser light energy is absorbed by the pigment, causing inflammation and then allowing your body to process the altered pigment.

2. The tattooed section is numbed and then sanded down to deeper skin levels. A scar may remain.

3. The tattoo may be surgically removed and the edges stitched back together, leaving a scar.
That is it. Assuming that you determine to proceed with the tattooing, you will need to decide on the exclusive design and the tattoo studio to undertake the procedure for you.

You can make your selection of design from an exclusive gallery of beautiful tattoo designs here before proceeding with the tattoo artwork with confidence.