Getting a tattoo near a colostomy can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking decision. It's important to consider the potential risks and prepare properly to ensure a smooth experience. Here's a breakdown of what to keep in mind:

- The person is planning to get a tattoo that will circle their colostomy without covering it. They are concerned about the stoma being active during the tattoo session and hope for a smooth procedure and healing process.

- The tattoo design includes roses, a spider-web, and black-widow spiders. It will be placed 1 to 1.5 cm outside the wafer edge, ensuring it remains visible even with the pouch on.

- An appointment with a surgeon is scheduled for the day before the tattoo to discuss resuming colostomy irrigation, which was done before surgery.

- A stoma nurse has no concerns about the tattoo, and several tattoo artists were consulted before choosing one.

- The surgery was in November, and this will be the first tattoo since then. A photo of the completed tattoo was shared later, showing that the pain was manageable and the results were satisfactory.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Irrigation before the session:
- It's recommended to irrigate on the day of the tattoo to keep the bowel quiet and reduce the risk of output.
- Those who irrigate often experience a predictable quiet period of 24-48 hours.

2. Infection and healing concerns:
- Treat the tattoo as a wound, as the skin around the stoma is already stressed from wafer changes.
- Keep the tattoo at least a wafer-width away to avoid trapping any exudate under the barrier and to maintain adhesion while it heals.
- Consider using a temporary barrier, like a non-lubricated condom or plastic shield, if any part of the tattoo will be under the wafer.

3. Medical consultation:
- Confirm with your surgeon or stoma nurse that your skin is in good condition and that the stoma is unlikely to be relocated soon, as this could affect the tattoo.
- If you are a transplant recipient or immunosuppressed, be extra cautious due to a higher risk of infection.

4. Artist selection and preparation:
- Choose a licensed tattoo artist experienced with medical devices and inform them about the possibility of noise or minor output.
- Let the artist know that the pouch will remain on during the session, and they should use medical-grade antiseptic to prep the skin.
- Bring extra stoma supplies in case you need to change the appliance during the session.

5. Design and placement ideas:
- Consider designs like sunbursts, volcanoes, or eyes, but prioritize personal meaning in your choice.

6. Alternative options if you're needle-phobic or undecided:
- Explore decorative pouch covers, which come in many patterns.
- Try temporary tattoos to "test-drive" a design without committing long-term.

For more insights, you can refer to a previous discussion on ostomy tattoos shared in the community.