Staining of soft tissues
Tattooing of soft tissues does not work. Period. The only way to permanently change the color of the tongue, gums, inner lips, inner labia ect, is with direct application of pigment into the cutaneous layers of tissue. It is a process that should be done incrementally and carefully by an experienced artist.
Sclera Tattoo
Archived: Scleral tattooing / tissue staining is not offered at 13 Black Cats Studio.
In Ontario, only regulated health professionals may perform eye tattoos or implant eye jewellery (HPPA s.18.1, 2018). Images below are for historical reference only.
When done correctly, sclera tattoos, or more accurately "staining", does not pose a long term risk to eyesight or health. Similar to when a blood vessel in the eye is ruptured and fills the whites of the eyes, pigment is inserted under the conjunctiva but over the sclera. The liquid pigment then spreads under the conjunctiva covering the sclera. A small ring of tissue called to cornea limbus prevents anything from covering the cornea and affecting eyesight.
The risk lies in the procedure itself; If the pigment is inserted too deep, it can become trapped inside the sclera forming an irritating cyst, or even pushed into intraocular space which could result in pressure and damage to the macular, retina, and in some cases amputation of the eye. If inserted to shallow, within layer of the conjunctiva, an irritating cyst can also form. Finally, if the amount of pigment inserted is too much, or the client rubs and presses on their eyes while healing, it may spread past the conjunctiva, leaking out from under the eye and permanently staining tissue in the lower eyelid.
Once settled and crystalized, the pigment is in place permanently, will not move, and will not affect anything further.
Note: We comply with Ontario’s 2018 amendment to the Health Protection and Promotion Act restricting scleral tattooing/eye jewellery to regulated health professionals. This page remains for information/history only.
When done correctly, sclera tattoos, or more accurately "staining", does not pose a long term risk to eyesight or health. Similar to when a blood vessel in the eye is ruptured and fills the whites of the eyes, pigment is inserted under the conjunctiva but over the sclera. The liquid pigment then spreads under the conjunctiva covering the sclera. A small ring of tissue called to cornea limbus prevents anything from covering the cornea and affecting eyesight.
The risk lies in the procedure itself; If the pigment is inserted too deep, it can become trapped inside the sclera forming an irritating cyst, or even pushed into intraocular space which could result in pressure and damage to the macular, retina, and in some cases amputation of the eye. If inserted to shallow, within layer of the conjunctiva, an irritating cyst can also form. Finally, if the amount of pigment inserted is too much, or the client rubs and presses on their eyes while healing, it may spread past the conjunctiva, leaking out from under the eye and permanently staining tissue in the lower eyelid.
Once settled and crystalized, the pigment is in place permanently, will not move, and will not affect anything further.
Note: We comply with Ontario’s 2018 amendment to the Health Protection and Promotion Act restricting scleral tattooing/eye jewellery to regulated health professionals. This page remains for information/history only.
Looking for other body modification services? See our Body Modification pages or contact us for a consult.