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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Ok To Get A Tattoo On Reconstructed Arm With Titanium Plates?

Hello. I had a car accident a few years ago and i ended up with a reconstructed arm. I possess titanium plates in my humerous, and also some screws in my elbow and wrist. I was thinking on perhaps tatooing my arm but i wanted to know if theres any risk of my arm getting infected if the ink or needle touches the plate, since the plate in my humerous is quite large and i can feel is right away. My scar in my humerous is also large and is exactly where my plate is and is also one of the scars i want to tatto so i just wanna know if its a bad idea
Mon, 16 May 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. If at least 2 years has passed since your reconstruction surgery and if the arm is healed well, I do not see any reason why getting an tattoo would be a bad idea as far as strict sterilization protocols are followed by the tattoo artist. If the protocols are not followed, then you are at as much risk of getting an infection as any person without the titanium plate in arm would be. There is relation between the plate and the infection. However, I would like to caution you that you might feel some vibrations in the metal while the tattooing is performed. This is to be followed, if the plate is going to stay permanently in your arm.

If you have to get the plate removed after a few years, then I would advise you to wait till it is removed to get a tattoo.

I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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Is It Ok To Get A Tattoo On Reconstructed Arm With Titanium Plates?

Hello, I can understand your concern. If at least 2 years has passed since your reconstruction surgery and if the arm is healed well, I do not see any reason why getting an tattoo would be a bad idea as far as strict sterilization protocols are followed by the tattoo artist. If the protocols are not followed, then you are at as much risk of getting an infection as any person without the titanium plate in arm would be. There is relation between the plate and the infection. However, I would like to caution you that you might feel some vibrations in the metal while the tattooing is performed. This is to be followed, if the plate is going to stay permanently in your arm. If you have to get the plate removed after a few years, then I would advise you to wait till it is removed to get a tattoo. I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah