As noted above, when you get a tattoo, the body's immune system immediately bolsters itself to fight off infection, but research has found that this happens not just at the “injured” tattoo site but throughout the entire body, and the response has shown to be cumulative.
He and his colleagues have found that individuals who frequently get tattoos appear to have higher levels of certain immune molecules, including antibodies, in their blood than people who rarely get inked (at least for a brief time).
The immune system, in particular the macrophages, comes along and engulfs the ink particle and carries it through the tissue and out the waste system. The smaller the ink particle, the more chance the ink will be removed from the dermis.
One way the body tries to protect itself from a perceived irritant is by forming a granuloma around it. A granuloma on the skin may look like a lump of tissue. It's thought that the granulomas form around the ink used in tattoos. 8 They may show up years after a tattoo is placed.
Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
Research has proven that multiple tattoos boosts the immune system. When the tattoo ink enters the body, the immune system attacks the ink. Each time that person goes for a new tattoo, the more their body undergoes that same process again and again, improving the immune system each time.
The constant needle pricks can be physically draining for the body. As a result, the body can go into “fight or flight” mode and release adrenaline, which can cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This adrenaline rush is a natural response to stress and pain, and it can have a significant impact on the body.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
Surgeons doing biopsies have noted that nearby lymph nodes are sometimes stained with tattoo ink that has been absorbed and then carried off by immune cells. It's possible that, if ferrous particles are present, the migrated ink can affect the appearance of a lymph node in an X-ray.
Tattoo pigment can precipitate many inflammatory states. The skin is the most common site of inflammation, but tattoo ink can become disseminated and cause systemic inflammation. Granulomatous reactions are a rare type of tattoo reaction, often caused by black tattoo ink, and are challenging to manage.
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
Tattoo ink does not end up in the liver, turning it black with toxins.
It's unknown exactly how long it takes for all of the ink particles to be removed from the body, but it is thought to be a process that could take years. In the meantime, the ink particles that do circulate through the body are believed to be harmless.
The side effect is that the lymph nodes take on the same color as your tattoo. There is also some evidence to suggest that tattoo ink particles can travel through the blood and become lodged in the liver.
When you are sick, generally it is a good idea to reschedule your tattoo. Your immune system is already busy trying to fight the infection and doesn't need further complication. Getting tattooed while sick could make the tattoo take longer to heal (and not heal as well), and prolong your sickness.
People with impaired immunity should think twice before getting tattooed. According to British Medical Journal Case Reports there have been instances where tattooing led to severe pain in people with compromised immune systems.
Microscopic particles from tattoo ink can migrate into the body and wind up in lymph nodes, crucial hubs of the human immune system, a new study has revealed.
The ink doesn't simply stain skin cells, because these cells die over the years and are replaced. But it was assumed that the ink was staining skin cells called fibroblasts, which make up the connective tissue, and that the ink was continually replaced by macrophages.
It reduces cortisol levels in the body
Cortisol is a stress hormone and its increase results in increased stress levels. When a person goes through the tattooing process, it reduces cortisol levels.
Risk of Infection
Infection is the most significant risk of getting a tattoo before plastic surgery since tattoos are made by depositing ink into the skin via needles. An active skin infection can create complications leading to more severe conditions and needing revision surgery.
Tattoos themselves aren't unprofessional, though they do have the capacity to be. If you were to get a rude tattoo or something associated with criminal activity or gangs then it could send the wrong message.
When you get a tattoo, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. When released, they cause a euphoric feeling not dissimilar to a class of drugs called opioids.
It's not uncommon for people to shiver during a tattoo because your body may be in shock so consider bringing a sweater, hoodie, or blanket to keep you warm.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.