An orthopedic patient awoke from her surgery to find a small heart shaped temporary tattoo on her tummy, just below her panty line. The surgeon says this is a regular thing he does to interject a little humor into a difficult situation and give his patients a reason to smile. The woman, however, was mortified by the “violation” and has sued the doctor for putting the tattoo on her without her permission.

Since my husband just had hip surgery, I asked him what he would have thought if he had awoken to find a temporary tattoo placed on his body near his nether-regions. He said he probably would have seen the humor in it and it wouldn’t have bothered him. I have to say I agree. I think it was a cute gesture and this woman shouldn’t be making such a big deal about it - especially to go so far as sue the guy. This is why the rest of us get lousy doctors who don’t enjoy their jobs anymore. What do you think? Comment below!

Other News This Week:

Jade Dragon Sued for Misspelled Tattoo - Again

Tattoos are appearing on everything from t-shirts to shoes, but department store fashion lines aren’t the only ones getting in on the action. The very artists who have made this artform so popular are contributing their status, names and art to create and endorse even more (and better) apparel and novelties. Instead of a shirt with a generic heart with wings designed by some unknown artist, now you can get a shirt featuring the work of some of the best tattoo artists in the world.

“When I first became familiar with tatoos, Retinol products were only available by prescription, so it never occurred to me to wonder if they were okay for tattoos. I have a new tattoo and my favorite lotion has some form of retinol in it, and it gave me pause. Is there any general school of thought about the use of retinoids on tattoos? And does the age of the tattoo make a difference?” - jzm

Note: This topic and others reside on the message board. Please post your comments there in order to contribute to the conversation.

“I got a new tattoo yesterday (my second) 6 years after my first. Alright, so, I know from reading here that plastic wrap is not good for a new tattoo, but my artist, and all artists in my city (very small country by the way) advise to do that, so I need to ask here. Is it alright to leave my tattoo uncovered? I don’t want it to get infected, but on the other hand, I know that plastic wrap is really bad. The thing is that I have a cat and a dog, who are always inside the house (my dog sleeps outside though), but I have cat and dog fur all over me all the time on my clothes, and I’m used to that, so if I leave it uncovered (it’s on my right shoulder blade), wouldn’t it get contaminated easily? And also what about clothes rubbing it? And my bra strap?
I did cover my tattoo with plastic yesterday after removing the bandage and this morning after showering, so do you think I should remove it and leave it alone?” - Estef

You think you have it rough because your boss makes you cover up your tattoos at work? You want to cry “discrimination” when your school makes you remove your piercings? Try living in Japan, where you can’t even enter the local gym or water park without hiding your ink.

Although many Japanese people get tattoos simply for decoration, just as in every other country in the world, Japan still takes a very antiquated view of tattoos and still associate them with the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). Gyms require tattoos to be taped or wrapped and public bath houses ban those with the colorful body decoration. And now even amusement parks are blocking anyone trying to enter with exposed tattoos.

I really think it’s high time for Japan to join the 21st century and realize that not everyone wearing a picture on their body is a criminal. The rest of us can appreciate that we still have a lot more freedom to express ourselves with our art, even if we still have to cover up for work.

More News This Week:
Boy Burned by Black Henna Tattoo

NYC Opens First Tattoo Museum

Tattoo Shop Sign Stirs Controversy

Question: I just read your article about sexual abuse. A
similar thing happened to me as well, but it was a tattoo. A big one
and the abuse lasted for about 2 hours. I reported it to the police and they have pressed charges against the
man, but I have a question.

The thing that bugs me the most about this whole situation is that I
paid for it. Is there any way I can get any financial reimbursement? I
am 18 years old and my parents don’t know about the tattoo. I haven’t told them about the abuse either.

Also, I really appreciate the article you wrote. Although it was too
late for me when I read it, i know it would have helped greatly if I
had read it then.

Answer: I am really sorry about what happened in your situation. This kind of thing really makes me angry because that is not how most artists behave, but all it takes is one person and one disgusting act to blemish the entire industry. I’m glad to hear that you reported him to the police and pressed charges - that is probably the best course of action you have against him and hopefully he will serve time for it.

As far as financial recourse goes, I’m not a lawyer but I do advise you to contact one. I agree that having to pay for this abuse is just like rubbing salt in a wound. I don’t know how long it’s been since this happened or whether he was a scratcher working out of his home or if this happened in a tattoo shop. These things will matter when it comes to determining whether you have a legal case or not.

I also advise you to talk to your parents about this if you have a good relationship with them and trust them. If it were my daughter, I would certainly want to know and I would do everything within my power to help her recover emotionally and make sure the abuser pays for what he did. You shouldn’t have to go this alone and it will help you to have an adult on your side to help you through it. If not your parents, at least talk to someone you trust that can support you through this process.

If you want to be a tattoo artist, you need to find an apprenticeship so you can be trained. But finding an apprenticeship is just like trying to find a job - you have to make a good impression. One of the ways you can impress a prospective mentor is with a great art portfolio. This how-to will show you what you need to create one and what not to do that could hurt your chances at getting an apprenticeship.

More on How to Become a Tattoo Artist:

What Makes a Good Tattoo Artist: Do You Have What it Takes?

Basic How-To Breakdown on Becoming a Successful Tattoo Artist

How to Get an Apprenticeship

“I am a piercing and tattoo enthusiast and I want to see the piercing gun banned even on ear lobes. I agree with whoever said that it is sad that we see laws trying to ban body modification, bur we see NOTHING banning an unsafe procedure on infants. I was wondering what the best way to go about getting the gun banned would be and if it would be acceptable to get professional artists involved? If I do get professionals involved, what would be the best way to approach them about this?” -woodwind99

If you’d like to join in on this effort to get the gun banned, join this discussion on the message board now!

I’m going out for my first tattoo in a couple weeks and I have a few questions. I’m getting a 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch solid black Triquetra on my ankle. If you could please e-mail me back I would really appreciate it! Here we go:

1. I’m a big girl. Will I have to be in an uncomfortable and weird position for long?

2. Is it OK to take off the bandage for a few minutes and show people after I get it, or does the bandage have to stay put?

3. I’ve heard so many descriptions of what it feels like. I know the ankle is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo, but I really want it there. How long do you think my design would take?

4. Someone told me to drink orange juice before I got a tattoo. Is this a good idea, or are they pulling my leg (so to speak)?

-Chrissy

1) It really depends on the type of chair your artist has. If they have those nice massage table things then you shouldn’t be uncomfortable at all. If they just have a dentist style chair you may have to hold your leg a little funny for a bit but if you need to stretch or readjust just tell your artist. It’s their job to accommodate you the best they can. Fortunately because your tattoo will be small, it shouldn’t take very long.

2) Honestly a tattoo that small doesn’t really need a bandage but the law may require your artist to bandage you anyway. But you can go ahead and take it off and leave it off. A larger tattoo tho I would say no- leave the bandage alone for at least 2 hours.

3) The ankle isn’t necessarily more painful but its just weird. Because they will be tattooing near the bone you will probably feel that bone vibrate which is really weird. The tattoo machine vibrates really fast and just barely punctures through the skin. But you will feel a sharp scratching feeling. Not going to say it won’t hurt but it isn’t that bad for 99% of people. Anticipation is always worse! And I would guess your tattoo should only take about half an hour.

4) It certainly won’t hurt to drink orange juice but I’m not sure what reason they have you for doing that. I’m guessing it’s just to keep your blood sugar up. It is important to eat before getting a tattoo because if your blood sugar drops you can pass out. But food is better than juice. Carbs and protein will sustain you longer than a short burst from juice. It will help to take vitamin C and zinc at least a week before and after getting the tat because it will help your body heal.

NO REGRETS: The Best, Worst, & Most #$%*ing Ridiculous Tattoos Ever
When I was first asked to review this book, I was sure I wasn’t going to like it. It was either going to be a book full of crappy tattoos - which I see on a daily basis and don’t find amusing - or a book that just spends its time insulting all tattoos and using a few bad ones as proof that all body art is ugly or stupid. Was I right? Read my review of this book and see if it’s worth the price of the paper it’s printed on.