Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthétique
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Tattooing has been performed since ancient times. It has survived religions, development of education, wars and all forms of repression. Tattooing has gained a new lease of life at a time when this practice appeared to be dying out; why? In reality, tattooing corresponds to a need to be different, to make oneself attractive and to see oneself as a unique being and the age of uniformity in which we live is a very important factor for requests for dermography. ⋯ Until the profession of tattooist is officially recognised, it will always be associated with the idea of sordid techniques in makeshift quarters. The very survival of this artistic profession requires serious training and standards of hygiene. Failure to recognise this profession would result in its prohibition in the short-term, leading to clandestine activity in which standards would obviously not be respected.