Medical tattoo

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Medical Tattoo is a type of tattoo that is used for various medical purposes. It is a procedure in which a specific type of ink is injected into the skin to create a permanent mark. Medical tattoos are often used to mark the skin for radiation therapy, to recreate the appearance of a nipple after mastectomy, or to convey important medical information about the individual.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Medical tattoos have a variety of uses in the medical field. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Radiation Therapy: Medical tattoos are often used to mark the skin for radiation therapy. These tattoos help ensure that the radiation is delivered to the exact same spot during each treatment session.
  • Reconstructive Surgery: After a mastectomy, a medical tattoo can be used to recreate the appearance of a nipple. This can help improve the individual's body image and self-esteem.
  • Medical Information: Medical tattoos can also be used to convey important medical information about the individual. For example, a person with diabetes might get a medical tattoo to alert medical professionals in case of an emergency.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for getting a medical tattoo is similar to that of getting a regular tattoo. The skin is first cleaned and then a design is drawn on the skin. A needle is then used to inject the ink into the skin. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with medical tattoos. These can include infection, allergic reactions to the ink, and scarring. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before deciding to get a medical tattoo.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Medical tattoo Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD