Tattoo

In a study conducted on 11,905 people in Sweden regarding the health effects of tattoos, which are increasingly popular and widespread, it was determined that the risk of Lymphoma, a dangerous type of cancer, was 21% higher in individuals with tattoos, and this rate increased to 81% in the first 2 years after the tattoo.

Knowing that approximately one quarter of the society has tattoos, it was known that the carcinogenic chemicals used accumulate in the lymph nodes, which may pose a risk. However, we didn’t previously know much about the long-term health effects of tattoo pigment.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which surrounds the entire body like a network, and is one of the most common types of cancer, with approximately 90,000 new cases a year. Pesticides also trigger lymphoma by the same mechanism.

Surgical tattoo removal is one of the frequently performed procedures in plastic surgery. The most unlucky areas for surgery are; mobile supra-articular areas such as shoulder, neck, elbow, knee and of course the face. Laser technologies may be another and perhaps the first option in tattoo removal.

Plastic surgeons can also refer patients to tattooists. It is possible to restore the areola appearance with tattooing (think of it as an eyebrow contour) for patients who have lost their nipple areola due to burns, trauma or oncological reasons and do not want or suitable for surgery.

Another medical reason for tattooing is camouflage. Camouflaging large and deep scars resulting from burns, surgery or accidents with design tattoos.

Let’s not forget that getting a tattoo carries the risk of infection such as viral hepatitis, the possibility of keloid and permanent scars, allergic reactions and, although very rare, skin cancer.
✨What did we learn?

1. It has been shown that 1 in 5 people who get a tattoo can develop lymphoma
2. Before getting a tattoo, we will think twice about its location and size, as well as medical risks. Removal may cost more
3. Areola: The brown circular area around the nipple.
4. 💥Bonus: Soak vegetables and fruits in baking soda (NaHCO₃) to purify them from pesticides.