Can someone with Marfans and Mitral Valve Prolase get a tattoo?

Question

I know if you have MVP you need Propholactic Antibiotics prior to getting a tat similar to a dentist cleaning. But what are the other risks? Everyone I ask either laughs at me or doesn't take me seriously. I want this tat to mark the birth of my first daughter. Like my wife, I would go through some pain, my body would change forever, and it results in something beautiful. It's my way of trying to participate in the pregnancy. But no one is taking me seriously. All the 'old' doctors either have ethical issues with it or are just too lazy to do the research. Sometimes I would get answers like, "Get a fake tattoo," or "Go to a clean tattoo parlor." Give me a break! Tattoo studios have to be imaculate these days and follow strict guidlines. So is it safe? And can I get an answer without the stigma of someones idea of a tattoo?

Answer 1

I would go to the tattoo studio and talk to whoever will be doing the tattoo. If s/he doesn't take you seriously, find a different artist. Your artist should be willing to sit down and discuss this with you before you get a tattoo. They should be aware of conditions where people should not get tattoos.
Depending on your condition (I'm aware that with both syndromes you can experience a variety of wide ranging characteristics), I would think it would be OK. If your doctors were vague and no one was explict that you shouldn't get a tattoo, go ahead with it but talk to your tattooist about your condition, chances are he's seen all kinds people, probably some with some serious conditions.
Congratulations on your daughter!

Answer 2

As with anything that breaks your skin, you're probably going to need antibiotics, as you mention. With Marfan's, you definitely want to play it safe.

The other thing to consider is the appearance. If you're getting it to mark your child's birth, you might also consider you're getting it to be a physical marker on your own body. As your connective tissues stretch anyway as you age, you'll probably want to be very selective about where you have a tattoo put on you.

There's so much people are still finding out about Marfan's, and that's why I say you'll want to play it safe.

Go to the National Marfan Foundation's website to find out more if you haven't already: www.nmf.org

I also know they are having their conference this year in Philadelphia near the end of the summer. You might check that out if you have the resources.

Answer 3

I don't see why not as long as you take antibiotics. It is a rather clean and safe procedure these days.