The inks used in tattoos and permanent makeup (also known as micropigmentation) and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, FDA has not attempted to regulate the use of tattoo inks and the pigments used in them and does not control the actual practice of tattooing. [...]

The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing:Infection . Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases,such as hepatitis. The risk of infection is the reason the American Association of Blood Banks requires a one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood.
It is extremely important to make sure that all [...]

Methods for Tattoo Removal include laser treatments, abrasion, scarification, and surgery. Some people attempt to camouflage an objectionable tattoo with a new one. Each approach has drawbacks:Laser treatments can lighten many tattoos, some more easily and effectively than others. Generally, several visits are necessary over a span or weeks or months, and the treatments can be [...]

FDA has received reports of adverse reactions to some temporary skin-staining products. The following information is intended to respond to questions about the safety and legality of such products.
What about “decal”-type temporary tattoos?
Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Many contain color [...]

Tattoo Removal and Prisoners
National’s Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power, says the Corrections Department’s tattoo removal scheme has proved to be a waste of $278,000 of taxpayers’ money.
He is commenting on replies from the Corrections Minister to questions regarding the scheme, which was designed to see if removing prisoners’ visible tattoos reduced serious offending.
In one reply [...]

Oral Piercing
Body piercing is popular today in the United States and other western societies. One common type of body piercing is tongue piercing, which involves placing a “barbell”-type stud through the tongue. But wearing a tongue stud puts people at risk for chipped teeth, recessed gums, and nerve damage, warns the Academy of General Dentistry [...]

Getting Tattoo
In recent years, many have said that white collar professionals, college students and celebrities getting tattooed, pumping iron or riding motorcycles democratize or blur distinctions between rich and poor. However, a Penn State researcher claims just the opposite in a study including fads and fashions such as body sculpting at expensive health clubs, rich [...]

Tattoo Removal
If you didn’t believe your mom when she said that you would regret getting your beloved’s name tattooed on your arm - you are not alone.
Tattoos are an ancient tradition. In some cultures, tattooing was done for prestige and was very sacred. Today, people get tattoos in memory of loved ones, as a sign [...]

Ear Piercing and Infection
My daughter is 4-months-old and I would like to have her ears pierced, but I want to make sure she is not too young for that. Are there any risks associated with piercing at this age?
Women, children and even men have worn earrings dating back to Biblical times and while ear piercing used [...]

Nipple Piercing and Breastfeeding
Until recently, the option to breastfeed after birth was not offered to women with nipple piercings. While there may have been assumed implications to breastfeeding when pierced, limited documentation exists.
Now, there exist organizations that promote breast-feeding for those women and teach nurses how to deal with them on an individual basis. “The [...]

Ear Piercing Treatment
Earlobe tears are a common problem facing cosmetic surgeons. For ages ear piercing has been used for individual expression.  While the lobe may be the canvas for your expression, piercing puts it at risk to be torn. Whether torn by accident, a sudden pull on an earring by a child, the result of wearing [...]

Tattooing and body piercing risks
My 15-year-old daughter really wants not only a tattoo, but she also seems to think everyone in her “group” is getting a nose stud.  I have heard these things can pose a threat to your health. What information can you offer?
Answer: Tattoos and body piercing are quite popular among young people these [...]