Tattooing works by reciprocating needles passing repeatedly through the surface of the skin. If a tattoo artists is too "heavy handed" (that is, tattooing too deep, or needlessly spending too much time in a given area, grinding it up), the tattoo will heal with some degree of scarring. This can be done on purpose as well.

I'd like to thank Fred Jewell <fredj@ksr.com>, who did this entire section, except the diagram [which took me some time], and the needle arrangements, which is by Jesster. Please note that this information is not for the purpose of teaching people how to tattoo, but to assist in the public in becoming a more well-informed customer.

The machine is hooked up to a power supply that regulates the amount of electrical current going to the machine. The needle is attached to a needle bar that is inserted into a tube and then attached to the machine itself. The electrical current makes the needles move back and forth at a high rate of speed moving in and out of the tube.

Chemical scarification is the use of chemical agents to damage the skin and induce scarring. Most people agree that the results achieved using this technique are not that different from those achieved using other, far simpler, safer, and more predicable methods. As such, little research has been done into this method.

Instead of using base or acidic chemicals to burn down into the skin, and instead of rubbing chemicals into cuts, some people actually inject questionable chemicals under the skin. In some cases, these blister up and form a permanent scar, resembling the inoculation marks of the past.

Abrasive scarification is scarring achieved using friction to remove enough layers of skin to create scarring. Abrasive scarification is generally used to create subtle unraised scars, but it can be used to create almost every type and texture of scar.

Certain activities -- be it BMX racing and other extreme sports, or be it fighting or punching out windows -- tend to lead to scars because of the injuries they bring. Many view these scars as desirable, and not only seek them out by putting themselves in harm's way, and by rubbing irritants into any wounds to induce them to scar.

Almost every (but not EVERY) scarification artist working in the Western world is also a body piercer. The easiest way to find scarification artists local to you is an Internet search, coupled with visiting the better piercing and tattoo studios in your area.

I can't stop you from doing this, but the best way to get a low quality scar is to do it yourself. Self scarification, while common, is not recommended.

Most artists are self trained, but this is not the most responsible option, especially nowadays. The best way to become a scarification artist is by apprenticing under an experienced practitioner. As far as how to achieve that, get to know one on a personal level and take it from there. In addition, it is important that young people reading this realise that under no circumstances should scarification be considered as a "career" -- the commercial market is just not large enough.

Fakir Musafar (www.bodyplay.com) offers group training in traditional scarification techniques, and has recently added some modern (cautery) techniques as well.

Yes. Electrology has never been a problem for tattoos. In fact it is one of the few hair removal methods that doesn't affect the design.

Generally, tattoos heal in about 2-3 weeks after the procedure, during this time, the tattoo should be kept clean, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Many artists recommend the light use of moisturizing lotion on the tattooed area during the healing process. Individual artists may also recommend the use of a topical antibiotic ointment during the first few days of healing.

The basic categories are branding (scarification through burns, either from heat, or from lasers or electrocautery devices), cuttings (fine scarification using a thin blade, sometimes coloured using tattoo ink, sometimes including the removal of patches of skin), and various other less common means including the use of chemicals and other non-traditional means.

By far the largest risk is the aesthetic one. Branding, cutting, and scarification are far from precise arts, and because the call for scarification is much smaller than that for piercing or tattooing, most artists are simply not that experienced. In addition, even experienced artists have trouble getting consistent results because there are so many variables in the healing process.

This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. You can choose a picture off the wall, or you can have them create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. As far as where you should get it goes, just keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. You might want to consider placing your tattoo where it can be easily covered up with normal clothing.