Tattoos and Piercings
Changes in physical appearance is often an exciting avenue of self expression for teenagers. This may mean a change in clothing, hair, or more permanently, tattoos and piercings. Parents might not feel comfortable when asked for their permission for or endorsement of their child getting a piercing or a tattoo. So, how should this situation be navigated? Here are some things to consider:
Be kind and hear them out: Try to approach a conversation about piercings and tattoos with a sense of openness and understanding. Don’t be afraid to discuss your questions and concerns but try not to insert judgment right away.
Ask for some time to think: Encourage your child to take time to think about their decision before they make it. It is easy to act on an impulse, but this particular choice warrants some contemplation beforehand. Especially tattoos which are very hard to remove later.
Wariness and concern about tattoos and piercings is understandable. The idea of your child altering their body can be difficult to accept as a parent. Your child may not recognize the long term consequences such as workplace stigma against visible tattoos and piercings. It is hard for an adolescent to project that far into the future (similar to posting pictures of them partying on Instagram) and imagine themselves as a “grown-up.”
There are also potential health risks to consider. Some of these include:
Allergic reactions to metals or ink
Infections in the ear or skin
Keloids, which are growths of scar tissue that can sometimes occur during the healing process of a skin abrasion
However, these side effects are treatable, and with proper aftercare, avoidable. As a parent, the best approach is to make sure that you and your child’s decision is well informed, intentional, and to ensure that they are done in a clean facility. If your child is interested in getting piercings and/or tattoos and you are unsure about how to approach a decision about them, you can book a consultation with Dr. Geary.
