This document discusses permanent body modifications like tattoos and piercings. It provides general information on tattoos, piercings, and why they have become more popular. Teens often get tattoos and piercings to express themselves or fit in. However, there are health risks like disease transmission or allergic reactions. The document also interviews a student who regretted his tattoo and discusses removal options like covering up with another tattoo or expensive laser removal.

1. Permanent Body Changes
By Daniel Dobrogowski Period 2

2. General Information
• Tattoos and piercings are body decorations that have been
around for thousands of years
• Tattoos are permanent designs on your skin that is made with
needles and colored ink
• Piercings involve making a hole in your skin to insert jewelry
• Body modifications are becoming more popular especially in
young adults

3. Why do people modify their bodies?
• Teens want to be different and unique and express
themselves
• Personal meaning for example to symbolize an important
event in their lives
• People may want others to view them differently
• Teens want to fit in and modify their body because other
people are.

4. Health Risks of Tattoos and Piercings
• Transmission of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and
C, and herpes
• Some people are allergic to tattoo dye
• Dirty and used needles can cause bacterial infections
• Possibility of excessive bleeding and damage to nerves

5. Tattoo and Piercings wordle

6. Interview
I had a chance to interview one of my closest
friends Michael, who recently turned 18 and got
his first tattoo of a dragon that covers a part of
his hand and wrist. After a while he began
regretting his tattoo and wanted to get it
removed.

7. Interview part 2
Me: Why do you regret getting your dragon tattoo?
Michael: I’ve had difficulty finding a job with my tattoo because
it is easily visible since its on my hand. I can’t cover all of it with a
long sleeve shirt so I put makeup on it to hide it as much as I can.
I also don’t like the design of it and I think it has too much
details.
Me: Why did you choose to get a tattoo of a dragon?
Michael: People often get tattoos to symbolize something about
them or something that’s important to them. The dragon is a
symbol of power, courage, and strength.

8. Interview part 3
Me: What are some options for getting rid of unwanted tattoos?
Michael: There are two options for dealing with an unwanted
tattoo. One of them is covering up your unwanted tattoo with
another tattoo and the second option is removing it surgically.
Removing it surgically can cost over $1000 and it can
permanently discolor your skin.

9. Article
• My article Tattoos and Body Piercings: A Big Decision by
Tania K. Cowling is about how parents should talk to
their children about changing their bodies permanently.
The author tries to explain to teens that there are other
ways of expressing themselves that are less risky and
healthier. She also says that tattoos and piercings are
now the “fad” for this generation and it will eventually
change like how long hair and crazy clothing was the
“fad” in the 60’s.

10. Quiz
• Activity: Take out a sheet of loose-leaf and
answer these questions about the
presentation.
• Provide 2 reasons why people may want to modify their
bodies.
• What are the 2 ways you can get rid of an unwanted
tattoo?
• What are some health risks when it comes to getting a
tattoo or a piercing?

11. References
• "The History of Tattoos and Body Piercing." History of Tattoos
and Body Piercing. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2013.
• "Health Risks of Tattooing and Ear or Body Piercing." Medical
News Today. MediLexicon International, 17 June 2004. Web.
11 May 2013.
• "TATTOOS AND BODY PIERCING: A BIG DECISION." TATTOOS
AND BODY PIERCING: A BIG DECISION. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May
2013.
• "Piercing and Tattoos: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of
Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 11 May
2013.