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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Piercing and Tattoos > Tattoo Risks
    Posted on: 09/09/2002

    Question

    My dad says getting a tattoo on my lower back has more risks then getting on my arm are there more risks and if so what are they??

    Answer

    The biggest risk of a tattoo is infection, and it may be more difficult to keep clothes from rubbing on your lower back than your arm, but other than that, I know of no more risk. I think bonier areas hurt more, but many people choose backs and bottoms, thighs, and other "hidden" places on their bodies because they allow you to choose when you expose your tattoo, which is a good thing later in life.

    Make sure you check out the sanitation procedures used at the parlor you choose - be safe. Here is a good fact sheet on tattooing: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-204.html


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown, Ph.D


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