Custom Prosthetic Tattoos by GTOPI

Nowadays it seems like just about everyone has a tattoo and the stigma of having one has seemingly disappeared. People get them to express themselves or to commemorate a person or event. I have one tattoo on my leg that I got while in college. At the time I got it because I thought the image looked cool. I don’t regret it but if I ever get another I want it to have more meaning behind it. Now prosthetic users have the option of personalizing their equipment with custom images. Founded by amputee and prosthetic user Dan Horkey, Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) puts custom “tattoo” images onto prosthetics, orthopedic braces and pediatric cranial helmets.

Ice Breaker
Let’s face it that many in the general public still feel uncomfortable when they’re around someone who has a prosthetic limb. Either they’re kinda freaked out or fear insulting the user if they mention the prosthetic. With a tattooed prosthetic, the ice can broken because people then feel comfortable complimenting the artwork or asking questions.

Express Yourself
The prosthetic user also benefits from the tattooed prosthetic by being able to express themselves. Instead of hiding or camouflaging, users show off their prosthetic. This can be especially true for children with prosthetics that are still navigating the social jungle of childhood.

Getting Tatted
To get a custom tattoo, users pick out an image of their choice then contact GTOPI. A price quote and time estimate is then given. If it’s a go, then the artists get to work. The tattoos are airbrushed and painted on with a patent pending method similar to automotive artwork.

Veteran Benefit
Many of GTOPI’s customers are wounded veterans with new prosthetics. Recently the Department of Defense allowed the Veterans Administration (VA) to cover the costs of getting prosthetics “tattooed”. While not a cure all, being able to personalize a prosthetic and express oneself can be part of the mental recovery process.

Conclusion
Getting a tattoo is an event that is personal event for the person getting one. GTOPI offers another way of doing this for prosthetic users. Also since some prosthetic pieces are replaceable, the tattoo doesn’t have to be permanent. For more on GTOPI and to see more pictures, visit www.GTOPI.com or visit Horkey’s  Facebook page.