A Danish woman suffered severe complications after getting a tattoo that led to painful reactions and multiple surgeries. Her case highlights the lesser-known risks of tattoos and the medical challenges that follow when things go wrong.
A Tattoo Turns Into a Medical Ordeal
What should have been a beautiful tattoo for Mette Rytter instead became a painful and long-lasting problem. Like nearly a million Danes who have tattoos, she initially had no concerns. But after one particular tattoo, what started as redness and itching eventually turned into unbearable pain and inflammation that required several hospital visits.
According to tattoo specialist and senior physician Jørgen Serup from Bispebjerg Hospital, most tattoos heal without problems. However, a small percentage of people experience more severe side effects such as infections, allergic reactions, or granulomas, which are tiny inflammatory nodules that can form under the skin. Around two to three percent of people who experience tattoo-related issues in Denmark need medical treatment.
The Only Specialized Tattoo Clinic in Scandinavia
The Tattoo Clinic at Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen is the only specialized unit in Denmark—and in the entire Nordic region—that treats tattoo complications. Patients are referred there when traditional doctors cannot solve their tattoo-related problems.
For Mette, her problems began after getting two overlapping tattoos on her lower leg—first one in red pigment shaped like a bow, and later a black one over it. The combination triggered a severe reaction in her skin, leaving her with constant itching and burning that kept her awake at night.
Those seeking medical treatment in Denmark, whether citizens or foreigners, often rely on the country’s well-organized healthcare system. For travelers or expats, it is possible to understand the structure and access rules through detailed guides about healthcare in Denmark.
Two Surgeries to Remove the Damaged Skin
After her symptoms worsened, Mette was admitted to Bispebjerg Hospital for surgery. Doctors removed the affected skin and replaced it with a graft taken from her thigh. The goal was to eliminate the tattoo pigment that had caused her allergic reaction.
When the bandages came off, she faced a deep open wound where the tattoo had been. Even though surgeons had gone deep enough to remove the pigment, they had to stay cautious not to damage her Achilles tendon.
In the months that followed, she hoped the pain and itching would finally disappear. Other patients, too, often face long recoveries after similar procedures, highlighting the importance of skilled care and timely treatment. Recent improvements in Denmark’s public health services have helped reduce pressure on hospitals, with major drops in surgical wait times across several regions.
How to Reduce Tattoo Risks
Experts say most tattoo complications can be avoided by taking a few key precautions. Those planning to get inked should consider size and color carefully, as larger tattoos and red pigments bring a higher risk of allergic reactions.
Tattoo artists should also use as little ink as possible while maintaining quality since heavy pigmentation can cause more issues. Hygiene is equally important. Needles must be sterile and new, equipment spotless, and artists must always use gloves and disinfectant. These practices significantly lower the chances of infections and allergic responses.
Life After the Operation
Three months after her last operation, Mette’s lower leg still showed signs of redness and slight scarring. Yet she finally found relief from the itching and pain that had tormented her for months. Although her leg would never look exactly as before, she was simply grateful to sleep through the night again.
Her story underlines how tattoos—once considered permanent but harmless expressions of art—can sometimes lead to complex medical challenges. Because pigments remain in the skin for life, even minor allergic reactions can turn into lasting problems that require professional intervention.
The Danish healthcare system, known for its structured and high-quality services, plays a vital role in these treatments. At the same time, hospital staff must manage heavy workloads and shifting priorities. During times when strikes or shortages arise, as seen during the recent Danish hospital strike, patients like Mette may experience delays or uncertainty about their care. Nevertheless, specialists at clinics such as Bispebjerg’s continue to provide life-changing help for those suffering from tattoo complications.
Awareness and Prevention
Despite rare complications, tattoos remain popular in Denmark. They reflect art, identity, and personal stories. Still, doctors encourage awareness about the possible side effects and the importance of choosing trained professionals with proper safety standards.
For many Danes, stories like Mette’s are reminders of how fragile skin reactions can be and how even a small amount of ink can lead to long-term pain. While medical advances make it easier to treat such complications, prevention remains the most effective safeguard.
As a result, health authorities and medical professionals continue to share advice and research to make tattooing safer for everyone—from the first small symbol to the full-body artwork.
Sources and References
DR.dk – Mette’s tattoo caused such severe side effects she needed surgery
The Danish Dream – Healthcare explained for tourists & expats
The Danish Dream – Danish hospitals see big drop in surgery waiting times
The Danish Dream – Danish hospital strike disrupts patient services
