Tattooing Someone With A Pacemaker

I have a customer who wants to get tattooed but she has a pacemaker in place. Does anyone have any information or experience tattooing someone with a pacemaker? I know that our tattoo machines work on a magnetic basis, what with the coils and such, but wondered if anyone has a little more information on this. I have worked in the medical profession prior to becoming a tattoo artist, but I'm not too sure on this one. Thanks for the feedback!

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you but this is a damn good question. My grandmother has a pace-maker and I know that she has to be careful around cell phones and even ipods. Another thing to think about is that having a pacemake most likely means she is also on blood-thinners, which we all know can effect the tattoo. I would urge her to ask her heart doctor.

Ah, blood thinners! Good point!! I appreciate the advice, bro!

The machine will also adminster a small current at it runs. I had a customer with an implanted pacemaker in her stomach. The doctor was very direct and clear the I should not tattoo within 6 surface inches of it. which left me open to doing alot. Most pacemakers today offer remote settings via wireless. The model she had did as well. The issue of it's proximity is to prevent false settings changes and magnetics can wipe out portions of the memory.

Hi, I've had a pacemaker since I was 12. I started getting tattoos when I was 16. My second tattoo was an anatomical correct heart in the center of my chest. I never have had any issues getting tattooed regarding my pacemaker. I would never get a tattoo over my pacemaker and you also have to be wise with artist choice. As getting an infection could cause problems with the pacer. Taking an antibiotic as a precaution cant hurt. Hope this helps!