Body art in its different forms dates back to ancient times. Body modification is a common human characteristic that has been practiced on all continents and in all races. Specific types of body art have been associated with specific social, ethnic and religious societies. Temporary decorations include the traditional customs, costumes, the use of jewellery and body painting. Permanent modifi ations such as piercing and tattooing are old forms of body adornment that have gained popularity as a fashion statement in the last decades and that have been accepted in all social classes nowadays.
Cosmetic tattoos or permanent make up have been introduced as an excellent alternative for conventional make up. The technique of micropigmentation consists of implantation of pigment into the skin or the mucosa using a small tattoo pen. The same procedure with a modified instrument, known as dermatography, has found its place in the medical world to camouflage pathological skin conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia or to mask scars and birth marks and it can offer the finishing touch in reconstructive surgery. It can also be used for implantation of pharmacological substances for therapeutic indications. Tattoos are also used as a permanent mark for medical procedures.
The imagination in body adornment and body transforming techniques is amazing and endless. More invasive body modifying techniques such as implanting, scarification, branding, scalping and even amputation recently seem to attract the young population and unfortunately often result in impressive, irreversible body mutilation. All body-modifying methods can lead to complications, which depend on the hygienic conditions in which the procedures are performed, on the training and the skills of the practitioner and on the materials used. Allergic reactions can be attributed to the substances used. Poor hygienic standards and careless procedures can result in localized infections but can also lead to severe life-threatening conditions or even result in irreversible damage. Blood-borne diseases can be transmitted (hepatitis B, C, HIV), granuloma and keloid formation can occur. Health care professionals should be aware of the complications that can arise from these procedures.
The body art industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the last years unaffected by the economic crisis. Considering the high number of people who have chosen for a tattoo, a piercing or any other form of body modification, one can estimate that millions of people on the globe live with a self-inflicted health risk that could have an important impact and consequences for the health care system in general. Many efforts have been done yet to identify risk factors and to develop preventive measures aimed at protecting public health. Regulation of the composition of the products, harmonization of the methods for the analytical determination of possible harmful substances, guidelines and recommendations to ensure that procedures are promoting consumer health. However there is still a lack of uniform universal regulation and control.
The purpose of this book is to illustrate the different aspects of body art starting from the history through epidemiology, to improve the knowledge about materials, with their toxic and allergenic potential, to discuss the procedures and the complications that can arise. Therapeutic modalities will be addressed with a focus on laser techniques for tattoo removal.
Cosmetic tattoos or permanent make up have been introduced as an excellent alternative for conventional make up. The technique of micropigmentation consists of implantation of pigment into the skin or the mucosa using a small tattoo pen. The same procedure with a modified instrument, known as dermatography, has found its place in the medical world to camouflage pathological skin conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia or to mask scars and birth marks and it can offer the finishing touch in reconstructive surgery. It can also be used for implantation of pharmacological substances for therapeutic indications. Tattoos are also used as a permanent mark for medical procedures.
The imagination in body adornment and body transforming techniques is amazing and endless. More invasive body modifying techniques such as implanting, scarification, branding, scalping and even amputation recently seem to attract the young population and unfortunately often result in impressive, irreversible body mutilation. All body-modifying methods can lead to complications, which depend on the hygienic conditions in which the procedures are performed, on the training and the skills of the practitioner and on the materials used. Allergic reactions can be attributed to the substances used. Poor hygienic standards and careless procedures can result in localized infections but can also lead to severe life-threatening conditions or even result in irreversible damage. Blood-borne diseases can be transmitted (hepatitis B, C, HIV), granuloma and keloid formation can occur. Health care professionals should be aware of the complications that can arise from these procedures.
The body art industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the last years unaffected by the economic crisis. Considering the high number of people who have chosen for a tattoo, a piercing or any other form of body modification, one can estimate that millions of people on the globe live with a self-inflicted health risk that could have an important impact and consequences for the health care system in general. Many efforts have been done yet to identify risk factors and to develop preventive measures aimed at protecting public health. Regulation of the composition of the products, harmonization of the methods for the analytical determination of possible harmful substances, guidelines and recommendations to ensure that procedures are promoting consumer health. However there is still a lack of uniform universal regulation and control.
The purpose of this book is to illustrate the different aspects of body art starting from the history through epidemiology, to improve the knowledge about materials, with their toxic and allergenic potential, to discuss the procedures and the complications that can arise. Therapeutic modalities will be addressed with a focus on laser techniques for tattoo removal.
- 1 History and Epidemiology of Tattoos and Piercings.
- 2 Materials Used in Body Art
- 3 Tattooing and Scarring: Technique and Complications
- 4 Piercings: Techniques and Complications
- 5 Cosmetic and Medical Applications of Tattooing
- 6 Allergic Reaction to Pigments and Metals
- 7 Techniques and Devices Used for Tattoo Removal
- Index
Product Details
- Hardcover: 110 pages
- Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition (January 22, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 3642032915
- ISBN-13: 978-3642032912
- Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.7 x 0.5 inches