Tattoos

I have a pacemaker/Defibrillator (ICD). I would like to get a few small tattoos on opposite arm not on incision site. Doc is worried about an infection from the needles. Anyone ever hear of someone getting an infection at ICD site this way??

2 Comments

tattoos

by Tracey_E - 2024-03-29 17:54:23

There is always a risk of infection if skin is broken and it moving to the pocket, however it's very small when done somewhere sterile, and many pacemaker hosts have tattoos. I have never heard of getting an infection that way. 

If I ever get the nerve to do it, I have a design all ready that includes my paced heartbeat. 

Tattoos

by Amyelynn - 2024-03-29 18:54:23

Hi Dustin

i have a lot of tattoos... all of which have been done after my first pacemaker. I have never had any issues with infection.

i recommend a few things:

researching where you plan to go making sure it's a clean professional shop

follow after care cleaning protocol with your tattoo 

if you are concerned about infection reach out to your pcp or cardiologist to ask for antibiotics to start prior to your appointment (kind of like how some people take antibiotics prior to a dentist appointment)

cheers to ink!

 

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