Body Art Basics

A guide to getting a tattoo or piercing

While body art may seem distinctly modern-day, evidence suggests that tattoos have been around since at least 3300 BC in different societies and for varying purposes. Ancient tribes in the Middle East used them as part of the grieving process, while the British elite in the 1800s sported body art as a sign of their position in society. (Surprised? Get this—Winston Churchill branded an anchor on his arm, while his mom had a snake around her waist. Really.)

Today, tattoos can be serious or fun, purely for aesthetics or deeply meaningful. "It's a form of personal expression, and it helps communicate what's important to the person," says Daniel Barringer, business manager and owner at Chameleon Ink in Bellingham, Wash. About 14 percent of the population has a tattoo, while half of adults in the United States have at least one piercing (although only 5 percent have one somewhere other than their earlobes).

Taking Precautions

Anyone thinking of getting permanent body art should thoroughly check the credentials of the tattoo/piercing artist beforehand — there's no federal oversight for shops, and many states have no regulations at all—but the risks are especially high for those with hemophilia.

"Doctors are never going to think those things are really good ideas," says Eliot Williams, MD, PhD, a member of the faculty of the Section of Hematology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. That said, people with hemophilia can get tattoos and piercings provided they take the proper precautions beforehand. That starts with visiting your doctor to discuss your individual situation; the type of hemophilia you have and its severity both play a part in the steps you should take.

You'll almost certainly need to infuse factor before going in and possibly again afterwards—particularly if you have severe hemophilia. The cost of factor alone can be incredibly expensive. With that kind of cost and forethought about medical risks, you just may want to avoid being one of the legion of tattoo recipients who later regret their decision.

Given the risk of serious infections with tattoos, such as hepatitis C and HIV, you don't want to walk into any old place and hope it's sterile. You also may need to look long and hard for a shop, as many won't tattoo or pierce anyone with a bleeding disorder. Do your research to ensure you can find someone who does good work—and who will work on you.

Health Considerations

If you're thinking of getting a tattoo, you will want to stay away from the head, neck, inside the mouth and the genital region, as bleeding in these areas would be more problematic than other places. For piercings, earlobes are the safest bet. "I really would stay away from the tongue," Dr. Williams says. "A bleed into the tongue could suffocate you, and that would be a grossly unnecessary risk to take."

Bottom line: Whether you want a minuscule marking on your toe or a grand design that spans the length of your back, meet with your physician first. "Nobody with hemophilia should have a tattoo or piercing done without talking to his doctor and getting some sort of infusion or other form of treatment prior to the procedure," Dr. Williams says. While there isn't a lot of medical literature on the topic, he or she will be the best person to advise you and keep you safe—after all, you want plenty of opportunity to show off that new tat or piercing.

The Trendiest Tattoos

The choices for tattoos are infinite, but a few designs are more popular than others. Some styles, like the tribal armband, come and go, while others, such as the cross, stay in circulation through the ages. Check out what's hot right now:

• Lettering: Names, verses, prayers and phrases from songs or poetry are all a popular choice. "It's usually something that they want to live by or repeat to themselves that has meaning for them," says Daniel Barringer of Chameleon Ink.
  Celebrity fans: Eminem, Carey Hart
• Stars: Those who want a tiny tattoo often opt for this celestial-inspired design. "Stars have been popular images since the beginning of time," says Galen Holland, co-owner of Freaks and Geeks Tattoo Sideshow in Asheville, N.C. "They're small and simple."
  Celebrity fans: Bruce Willis, Aaron Carter
• Religious Imagery: Angel wings are big as a symbol of the afterlife, while crosses have been tattooed for centuries. "One story that is told is that sailors would have huge crosses tattooed on their backs in hopes that if punished they would be saved the lash because striking something ‘holy' was a sin," Holland says. "Nowadays, I often find it is a way for religious people to be a little bit naughty."
  Celebrity fans: David Beckham, Justin Timberlake
• Memorial/Tribute: At Camden Chameleon, this is the most popular request. Says Barringer: "It can be anything, anything that is meaningful to the person—someone who's passed away, children or loved ones."
  Celebrity fans: Johnny Depp, Kobe Bryant