The first documented tattoo dates back to approximately 3300 B.C. and belonged to "Otzi the Iceman." While scientists are unsure of how Otzi's tattoos were given, there were several methods used in ancient times. Some cultures practiced the art by cutting the skin and rubbing into the open sore ink or ashes. Other cultures, such as the Japanese, used sharpened sticks or bone and "hand-tapped" a design into the skin. This particular method is still used today. In modern times, the most common method for receiving a tattoo is through the use of an electric tattoo machine.
History
The history of the tattoo machine dates back to 1891, when Samuel O'Reilly patented the first machine. Initially, the basic machines were battery operated. O'Reilly's design was styled after a device that was initially invented by Thomas Edison, to make painting or embroidery patterns. This battery powered pen would punch holes in paper place on the hard surface to be painted. The operator would then dust the pattern with a colored powder and the outline would be filled in. O'Reilly simply modified it by adding a tube assemble and an ink reservoir.
How It Works
Modern tattoo machines are operated with a foot pedal and use a sterilized needle and an electric motor. The needle or needles are dipped into indelible ink and penetrate the skin an average of 80 to 150 times a minute. These needles are injected through the skin's upper layer, reaching as far down as the dermis (second layer of skin, found under the epidermis) but do not require the use of any anesthetic. Prepackaged needles are intended for single-use only, and the skin must be thoroughly cleaned before application.
Types
There are several types of modern tattoo machines, all of which are based on O'Reilly's initial model. Shaders are so-called because they are used to fill in the tattoo with color, but they require much more power to run. Liners are used to draw the initial tattoo outline. Rotary tattoo machines are based on rotary technology, while coil tattoo machines are based on electromagnetic technology. Coil tattoo machines have long been thought to be superior to the rotary-based technology due to the precision and much cleaner, darker lines.
Risks
Some specific risks involved in tattooing can include: allergic reactions, scarring, skin infections or bloodborne diseases. Allergic reactions are typically a result of the dye and can cause an itch or rash at the application site. Infections are made obvious by redness and swelling, pain or drainage at the tattoo site. Bloodborne diseases are contracted through the use of unsterilized or contaminated needles and can include the contraction of HIV, hepatitis or tetanus.
Removing a Tattoo
The newest method of tattoo removal, involves the use of skin lightening or fading creams which cause the tattoo to lighten and fade away over a period of time, causing no scarring. Dermabrasion requires the skin to be removed down to the dermis (or second skin layer), where the ink has been applied. This is done under local anesthetic, and the area may require freezing to reduce bleeding. The cost to this type of removal varies by tattoo size. The last option is through excision, where the tattoo is cut from the skin. This process may require several cuts to be made and results in scarring. In some cases, skin grafts may be needed to complete the process.
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