To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo

StettlerLocal.com January 30, 2022 @ 7:05pm

Societal views on tattoos have changed quite a bit the past few years, yet tattoos have made their mark (so to speak) since the beginning of recorded time.

People often think of tattoos being only on sailors or bikers, with markings of anchors, skulls, roses, or the classic “MOM” images. However, in today’s world, there are numerous reasons for skin inking practices. Beliefs, rebellion, aesthetic, medical, or deeply personal connections are some of the reasons people pursue the practice today. Tattoos can serve as signs of love, amulets, religious significance, and, of course, adornment.

Many mummified bodies show skin markings that relate to the individual's wealth and status, but there's also evidence, from around 2000 BC, that marking was used for punishment. In early Egyptian times, tattooing was almost exclusively done on women as religious symbolism or to aid in the difficult childbearing process. Many indigenous cultures, such as the Maori, have practised tattooing for centuries without connection to other societies. This leads me to believe skin marking likely derived from a human curiosity and need for expression.

Statistically, 28% of women and 22% of men today are tattooed. Many people with tattoos don’t even consider themselves to be in this category. Let me explain.

My pursuit of the art comes from a place of caring and healing for my mother. She had undergone radiation for breast cancer, and was left with the black markers on her body from treatment. I took a paramedical tattoo course to camouflage radiation marks, cover scars, hide cleft palate, repigment skin discolorations, and add areolas for people who had undergone a mastectomy. As soon as I was certified and accredited, I was able to correct the black treatment marks on my mom. We both felt so great about doing it! I knew there was more than just the physical to the healing process, and I embraced the idea that tattoos can be a big part of the recovery process.

Medical tattooing does have an important role to play, and it's one way physicians can easily make a permanent mark that enables faster and easier treatments. Although Medical Alert tattoos have lost popularity as of late, they can notify paramedics and emergency staff of important medical conditions or allergies in emergency situations. Some medical professionals may dismiss this practice, but you can’t lose a mark on your skin like you can a bracelet or necklace.

While doing scar revision and re-pigmentation, I branched into the art of permanent makeup. Being in the beauty industry for over 25 years, this was a natural next step for me. Permanent makeup is actually semi-permanent tattooing, and if done correctly, it can last three to five years.

There are a lot of crossover skills from paramedical tattooing to permanent makeup application. Eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner, and even facial skin tone can be applied in a very short time and will last for years with minimal upkeep. Many people who have lost their facial hair from various treatments or conditions can regain self-confidence with a little cheek colour or visible eyebrow. Application of permanent blush or contour uses the same technique as micro-needling, which has a significant effect on fine lines and facial scarring. These days, muted pigments are added to enhance or correct the area. Definitely not a skull and crossbones tattoo!

Aesthetic tattoos can range in size from a few small dots to entire body pieces, and these are what people usually think of when they think about tattooing. The terminology can include tiny tattoos, fine line tattoo, script tattoo, portrait artist, traditional or neo-traditional, tribal, Japanese, realism, black and greyscale, and sketch art. There are many sub-classifications in each style, and many of the techniques are used in multiple genres. Not every artist is trained in all tattoo styles, and some artists take years to become a specialist in a certain style.

Always ask for your artist's certifications, credentials, and portfolio before committing to a large tattoo, and don’t be surprised if your artist says that they can’t complete every design put in front of them. Seeking out a particular artist in the style you're looking for will be well worth the time it takes.

More people seeking tattoos are inquiring about memorial tattoos to commemorate loved ones or pets who have passed away. Having a permanent reminder can be calming to some – and that is heart healing. I believe each to their own on this matter!

Tattoo correction & removal options are available and should be discussed. Cover-up tattooing (corrective tattooing) is a popular option if you want to conceal an old or faded mistake. There's also saline removal, which is minimally invasive, but takes numerous sessions to complete. Laser tattoo removal is the most popular removal procedure and it is effective, but it can be painful and expensive.

Dermabrasion is another removal option where the tattooed skin is brushed away with a rotating implement. Yes, it is essentially scraped off.

As an aesthetician, I believe tattoos can be an excellent way for people to express or heal themselves, and to be their best selves. But you need to consider the long-term implications, and the inherent risks associated with the removal process.

It's important to do your research before deciding on a tattoo style, method, and artist. Consult with a professional before making your body art decisions.

Alicia Kneeland-Teasdale, Owner

Stettler Medi-Aesthetics