Perioperative Risk Factors and Safety Strategies for Patients With Tattoos and Piercings

The increasing prevalence of body modifications, such as tattoos and piercings, may present unique perioperative challenges due to the chemical composition of tattoo inks, the presence of metallic particles, and the anatomical location of piercings. Considerations for this patient population include the risk of infection, unintentional burns from medical devices, and hypersensitivity reactions; airway management; integumentary and vascular access; radiological examinations; patient preferences and cultural differences; and ensuring effective perioperative communication and respect. A patient-centered, culturally sensitive approach that emphasizes comprehensive preoperative assessment, interdisciplinary communication, and respect for patient preferences may help identify potential complications early and guide preventive strategies. Awareness of body modifications during perioperative planning can support individualized care and enhance safety. This clinical review outlines considerations, highlights potential risks, and suggests strategies for perioperative teams to provide effective, culturally competent care while promoting patient safety and optimizing the quality of perioperative nursing practice.