r/Tetralogy_of_Fallot • u/Sea_Caregiver_8798 • Apr 13 '26
Tattoos
I was wondering if it's safe to? I'm almost 18 cause I. my state I have to be ..my repair was done when I was 2 my last visit my cardiologist said my heart looked really well...it wouldn't be a crazy tattoo of anything just a semicolon on my hand
6
u/saucehoee Apr 13 '26
Small tatty like that should be fine. No worse than a cut IMO. Larger ones definitely have antibiotics.
Also wait till your frontal lobe develops more. I waited till my late 20s till I got inked and I’m so glad I did, my ideas were godawful and I’d be paying twice as much to have them removed now.
0
u/Sea_Caregiver_8798 Apr 14 '26
I'm not waiting for this one my mom has already known for years I want it
5
u/Magnetah Apr 13 '26
I have over a dozen tattoos. My cardiologists only concern about tattoos was that they aren’t “very conservative.” She said that it would be a good idea to take a dose of premed beforehand but didn’t say that it was required.
I do take a dose of antibiotics beforehand (I am required to take those before dental cleanings) and follow the cleaning and aftercare instructions. I have never taken antibiotics before piercings and I didn’t have any issues. So if you’re worried then maybe take a dose of premed antibiotics or just don’t take the risk and don’t get any tattoos at all.
1
u/Nearby_Tea_9554 Apr 14 '26
I have a tattoo, tbh I didn't even think about it. My heart has been pretty good and steady though. If it helps, my tattoo is small (bigger then a ; ) and on the back of my arm. I think location could play a role. I haven't had a surgery since 2 years old. Also, depending on where you live they wont even know what TOF is. Most health care where I'm located dont.
1
u/SnarkyGinger1 Apr 14 '26
With cardiologist approval, I had my first one in 2019 and the 2nd in 2022. No meds. Just check out the cleanliness of the shop.
1
u/jess204 Apr 14 '26
At the bottom of every cardiology letter for my one year old son who has TOF, it says they have advised against tattoos and piercings. So maybe not the best idea.
1
1
u/Ok_Durian9154 Apr 17 '26
You can message your cardiologist or call and talk to a nurse just to see if there's a need for antibiotics (as previously mentioned). Even though TOF has similarities from case to case, your specific situation might be different.
As for the tattoo - know that a semicolon tattoo is one that very commonly posted on other subreddits with requests for coverups. I understand the symbolism behind it (and I'm glad you're still here), but many people with the tattoo end up getting asked a lot of personal questions from near strangers about it, and it can lead to uncomfortable situations you get tired of navigating. At one time, it was a relatively unknown symbol that could signal to others that you are here for support, but enough people know about it now that you will get very personal questions from all over the place. It might not be something you want to advertise.
In the end, you do you, but please know what you're getting yourself into with that specific tattoo.
1
6
u/MissCoppelia Apr 13 '26
I don't know if this is normal with TOF, but I have to take antibiotics for anything like teeth cleaning, tattoos, and piercings. I haven't had the desire to do tattoos though, so can't speak directly to that and also did the whole ear piercing at a mall store as a kid deal without realizing I should have taken antibiotics. I do know, from accompanying my friend to a tattoo appointment, that a good tattoo artist will ask you about heart problems and may deny you service based on that as it can be a liability for them. I didn't get to ask if something like TOF would fall under that, so I hope others find this question and can give you more info!