BA4

Can I get HIV or Hepatitis from this type of body art?

Yes! HIV and the Hepatitis virus can be transmitted from one person to another when cutting and branding equipment is not properly sterilized.

How is it done?

Branding is done my applying heated metal shapes to the skin to result in a third degree burn. Depending upon the design, it may take several applications or "strikes" of the hot metal shapes to get the desired effect.

Cutting uses a sharp knife or scalpel to cut the skin in the desired pattern. Then an irritant is rubbed into the cuts to further irritate the skin. The result is a raised scar that has an overgrowth of scar tissue called a keloid. As the cuts begin to heal, they are repeatedly re-cut, reopened, or chemically irritated to increase the scarring effect.

This form of body art is not exact. The same design on two different people may result in a two different kinds of scars. There is no way to know for sure what the healed scar will look like.

Are there other complications?

Yes. The risk of infection is very high. Depending upon where this is done on the body, motion may also be limited due to the scar tissue.

Will it hurt?

Yes. Branding only hurts for a brief time until the nerves in the skin are burned. Cutting of the skin can be very painful. In either case, the area may be tender for months.

How long does it take to heal?

This will depend upon the extent of the branding and cutting. Full healing may take several months. The healing process will also depend upon your general health and daily habits. Smoking and a poor diet will increase the time it takes for your body to heal.

Are there reasons that might prevent me from getting this type of body art?

Several medical conditions make it dangerous for you to get this type of body art. These include Diabetes, Hemophilia, and any type of blood disorder that could prevent you from healing in a normal fashion.

Where can I get this type of body art?

Some tattoo studios offer this type of body art. Choose your studio carefully and look for the following:

Is the studio clean?
Does the artist use disposable supplies?
Are instruments sterilized with an autoclave (a medically approved device to sterilize surgical instruments)?
Does the artist wear new latex gloves for every customer?
Is the studio and established business - has it been around for a significant period of time?
Is the artist a member of an organization of professionals?

If your questions are not answered, go elsewhere.

DO NOT let your friends or "a friend of a friend" attempt this kind of body art. It can be dangerous if not done in a clean environment with sterile instruments!

What else should I consider?

Remember that this type of body art is a permanent alteration of your body. Sometimes it can be removed surgically, but your skin will never be the same. Think about these questions:

Is this really what you want? Or are you doing it on a whim or because of your friends?
Think about how the art may affect you in later life - particularly if it is routinely visible to others. How will your employer, your family, and society in general treat you afterwards?