The lower back understandably is a very popular location on the body where more and more women these days are having their tattoos done there. The problem with having a tattoo in that location, according to many anesthesiologists, is that when a woman is pregnant, and the procedure of doing an Epidural is about to be performed, a serious consideration for them is whether or not the Epidural needle, will push the ink of the tattoo into the central nervous system. There are instances where anesthesiologists have actually refused to do the procedure out of concern for the patients well being, as well as to prevent any potential malpractice issues.

To set the record straight on this issue, for an anesthesiologist to refuse to do the procedure outright because of this specific concern, is outrageous, and indicates that the anesthesiologist should stop practicing and should go back to medical school. Anesthesiologists have more than one location on the spine where they can insert the epidural needle. Even if the woman’s tattoo is so large that it is located in every possible upon the spine, still does not precipitate the decision for the anesthesiologist

The fact is that tattoo pigments do not stay “loose” within the dermis or connective tissue, but are rapidly assimilated by macrophages during the healing process. Many of these pigment-laden macrophages stay in the dermis, and the dermis only, for the life of the tattooee. The amount of pigment that is used in the tattoo process is quite minuscule, also.

The pigments are made of inert metal salts and different structures of a phenolphthalein base, and allergic problems are nearly nonexistent. You should have no concern whatsoever in placing a needle through a tattoo and into the spinal or epidural space, as the pigment particles are “fixed” and stationary within the dermis, and cannot be mobilized by the needle or migrate along the needle track. There is really no danger at all in inserting a needle through tattooed skin.

How To Choose A Tattoo Artist

By Joshua Andrews

The tattoo removal industry is a booming business these days because thousands upon thousands of people around the world are getting tattoos that they eventually regret having. Too many people are choosing either bad tattoo designs or bad locations on their bodies for their tattoos or because their tattoo artists did a lousy job. The general public needs to be educated about tattoos and about how to get a tattoo .

Getting a tattoo should never be because of peer pressure and for the purpose of fitting in with a crowd, or because it is the cool thing to do, but yet people are getting tattooed left, right and center for those very reasons.

Selecting a tattoo artist should not be a spontaneous decision because your tattoo is something that will be with you forever; therefore choosing a tattoo artist that will do a great job in a safe manner is essential.  Too many people get overly excited when they make the final decision of getting a tattoo that they rush to the nearest tat shop to get inked, however choosing the right tattoo artist for you involves several steps.

The very best way to choose a tattoo artist is by word of mouth.  If a friend has recently gotten a tattoo that they were completely satisfied with, maybe they can recommend the tattoo artist that did such a good job.  Maybe you will come across some people in the streets with some great body art-it wouldn’t hurt to ask them where they got it.  On a contrasting note, if they were dissatisfied with a tattoo recently, make sure to stay away from that same mistake!

Before you rush into your nearest tattoo studio ask around to see how long they have been around for. Feel free to call the tattoo studio up and to ask them a few questions like: are they certified in any way, has any of the artist on awards at a tattoo convention, how long has the artists been tattooing for, has any artist been featured in any tattoo magazines?

Another good idea is to inspect the portfolios of tattoo artists which they all have available at their studios. The problem with going by the portfolio is that more than one tattoo artist has posted other people’s work photos as their own and so you will never rally know if that artist did the tattoo in the photo

Good luck!