That tattoo you’ve been dreaming of to express your individuality could come with a price.

Tattoos have long been a form of personal expression, cultural identity, and artistic creativity. From ancient civilizations marking their bodies with ink to modern tattoo parlors on every corner, the appeal of permanent body art has never been stronger. For many, getting a tattoo is a deeply personal decision, a way to commemorate a meaningful event, honor a loved one, or simply showcase individuality. Yet, while tattoos have become increasingly mainstream, their potential health risks are often overlooked.

For all their beauty and significance, tattoos involve a process that carries inherent risks, from infections and allergic reactions to long-term complications that science is still working to understand. Despite advances in tattooing technology and improvements in hygiene practices, concerns remain about how tattoo ink interacts with the body over time and what implications it may have for overall health.

At the core of the tattooing process is the injection of ink into the skin using a needle that penetrates the dermis, the second layer of skin. Unlike surface-level cosmetics, which fade or wash away, tattoo ink is deposited deep enough to become permanent. This process requires precision and sterility, but even in the most controlled environments, there are risks associated with piercing the skin barrier. One of the most immediate concerns is infection. The skin acts as a natural shield against bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals, and when that protective barrier is breached, the risk of contamination rises. Poorly sanitized needles can introduce dangerous pathogens, leading to bacterial infections, hepatitis, or even HIV if strict hygiene protocols are not followed.

Beyond immediate infections, another major concern is the long-term effects of tattoo ink in the body. Recent research suggests that tattoo ink doesn’t just stay in the skin—it travels. The immune system attempts to clean out the ink particles, which are foreign to the body. Over time, fragments of tattoo pigment migrate to the lymph nodes, where they accumulate. This raises concerns about long-term health effects, particularly related to the lymphatic system and the body’s immune response.

New evidence suggests a potential link between tattoos and cancer, specifically lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the germ-fighting lymphatic system. According to a study from Lund University in Sweden, published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine, individuals with tattoos had a 21 percent higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma compared to those without tattoos. The study analyzed nearly 12,000 people aged 20 to 60 and found that having just one tattoo significantly raised the odds of developing the disease.

Perhaps even more alarming is that the timing of when a person received their first tattoo seemed to influence cancer risk. Those who got their first tattoo less than two years before being diagnosed had an 81 percent higher risk of developing lymphoma. Interestingly, the risk appeared to decrease in those who had gotten tattoos between three and ten years prior, but it rose again for individuals who had their first tattoo eleven or more years ago, showing a 19 percent increased risk.

Size didn’t seem to matter in determining lymphoma risk, which suggests that even a small tattoo could trigger an immune response capable of affecting long-term health. Researchers speculate that low-grade, chronic inflammation caused by tattoos may be a contributing factor in cancer development, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

This latest study is not the only research linking tattoos to cancer risks. A study presented at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting found a potential connection between having three or more large tattoos and higher risks of blood cancers, myeloid neoplasms (bone marrow cancers), and lymphoma. The study also indicated that individuals who received their first tattoo before age 20 had an elevated risk of developing myeloid neoplasms, while those who got their first tattoo at age 20 or older were more likely to develop lymphoma.

Another concern is the composition of tattoo ink itself. The FDA does not regulate tattoo ink as strictly as other cosmetic or medical products, and many inks contain unlisted substances that could be toxic to human health. A 2022 study published in Toxicology and Industrial Health found that many tattoo inks contain hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, which could pose long-term risks to organs, immune function, and overall health. These toxic substances, once inside the body, may contribute to chronic inflammation, cell damage, and potentially cancer development.

Further complicating matters, certain ink colors appear to carry different levels of risk. A 2021 case series linked black and red tattoo inks to an increased risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, a rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor. Red ink, in particular, has been associated with severe allergic reactions and chronic inflammation.

While the link between tattoos and cancer is still being explored, scientists agree that tattoo ink does not remain harmlessly in the skin. The body’s natural immune defenses constantly try to break down and remove ink particles, sending them to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body. In some cases, this can cause lymph node discoloration and swelling, while in others, it may contribute to long-term health complications that researchers are only beginning to understand.

Aside from cancer risks, tattoos can also cause chronic skin conditions. Some individuals experience allergic reactions to tattoo ink, leading to itching, redness, and long-term inflammation. In extreme cases, granulomas—small, painful lumps caused by an immune reaction—can form around tattoo pigment. Tattoos can also lead to keloid scarring, where the skin overproduces collagen in response to trauma, resulting in raised, thickened scars that can be difficult to remove.

Laser tattoo removal, often sought by individuals who regret their ink, introduces its own set of health concerns. The laser process breaks down pigment into smaller particles, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered out by the liver and kidneys. Some experts worry that this process could further distribute harmful substances throughout the body, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity or other adverse effects.

While none of this research suggests that every tattoo will lead to cancer or serious illness, it does raise important questions about the long-term safety of tattooing. Scientists acknowledge that more studies are needed to understand the full extent of the risks. But given the growing evidence that tattoo ink interacts with the body in complex and potentially harmful ways, it is clear that individuals considering a tattoo should be fully informed about the possible health implications.

So, what does this mean for those who already have tattoos or are thinking about getting one? While tattoos remain a deeply personal choice, awareness is key. Choosing a reputable tattoo artist who follows strict hygiene protocols reduces the risk of infection. Asking questions about the composition of tattoo inks can also help minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. And, most importantly, people should pay close attention to their health, monitoring for any unusual skin reactions, swelling, or persistent inflammation near tattooed areas. If any concerning symptoms arise, seeking medical advice is essential.

As tattoos continue to be a popular form of self-expression, it’s important to balance their artistic and cultural significance with an understanding of the risks. While tattoos may seem like an aesthetic decision in the moment, the long-term impact on the body is something science is still uncovering. Making an informed choice about body art isn’t about fear—it’s about ensuring that personal expression doesn’t come at the cost of long-term health.