Hip replacement and tattoos...?

This isn't common but I'm 19 with a new total hip replacement (due to a degenerative bone disease). I was instructed to take anti-biotics before dental work because bacteria can travel through the blood to my hip and cause an infection. I realized that I would have to do this with peircings and tattoos also. I wanted to know if anyone out there with a heart problem/ replacement valve etc.. (because they need antibiotics as well) have had a tattoo or piercing because I doubt there is anyone with a hip replacement who wants one considering most are 60+. Im worried about the risks, how high are they to actually get an infection with a tattoo being on antibiotics? I know many will be like don't get a tattoo anyway, why mark up your body. I've been through several surgeries = large ugly scars on my legs and I would like one of them to be something I like. So im not interested in dissuading me I just want to know more about risks and if anyone out there is in some sort of similar situations?

i have discussed this with my doctor, he recommends against it because there is some sort of chance, even if it is minimal but he is unsure, once again most of his patients do not have questions like this because they are 60+ years old

I won't attempt to talk you out of the piercings or tattoos. It's your body and your life.

I will relate to you the consequences of getting an infection that travels to the site of your fake joint. While it is rare, it is devastating when it occurs. It is called Acute hematogenous infection and it occurs in a previously well-functioning joint years after the surgery. Sometimes there is a source of infectious bacteria (skin boil, infected tooth, wound, etc.) elsewhere in the body. The hip joint is most susceptible to this rare joint infection during the first 2 post-op years.

Once the infection has settled in the hip joint, antibiotic-only treatment is not effective. Once the bacteria settle on the joint surface, they quickly produce a slime envelope that protects them against the action of antibiotics. The surgeon must remove the infected prosthesis plus the surrounding tissues to get rid of the slime-forming bacteria. Once the hip has been removed, the antibiotic will be effective in getting rid of the remaining bacteria. The technique most often used is done in two operations. First the joint is surgically removed and it is replaced with a big wad of bone cement impregnated with antibiotics called a spacer. Then the patient is without a hip for a period of time (several weeks) while taking massive doses of antibiotics. In the second surgery, called a "revision" a new prosthesis is implanted which may involve bone grafts, cement to fill the empty spaces. Antibiotic treatment continues after the second surgery.

Since you are VERY young to have a hip replacement, I assume that you want this hip to last as long as possible and that you know that you will someday have to have a revision surgery. Do you really want to do something that might move that date ahead if you can possibly avoid it?

Why not just ask your doctor? He's going to have to give you the antibiotics anyway if he thinks you will need them for the tattoo. You're 19, call him up, ask him your question and do what you want to do.

Hip Replacement & tattoos, are nothing alike. As far a dental work yes !Anti-biotics is a must.
But not for a tattoo or any other surgeries. Seems like you should know this. I never had to take anything before other surgeries or tattoos (Anti-biotics).
It is because dental work has so much bacteria & travels fast. One who dose not keep your teeth up can become very ill, even die.