We actually had this conversation on air and for once, I was wrong.  I know my friend Rowdy tried to save his toe after it was amputated due to diabetes.  He was told he couldn't have it because it was a biohazard.  I guess maybe that was just because he wasn't a licensed professional or something.  I turns out that you CAN save your tattoos after death (or somebody can).

Nessmania
Nessmania
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Here is the scoop from my friend, Austin Mortician Lissa Morticia:

The tattoo removal process begins within 18 hours of a member passing, whereby the designated beneficiary alerts NAPSA. From there, NAPSA sends paperwork and a package with the removal kit to the MEMBERS FUNERAL PROVIDER ***(that's me, you guys, ME)***overnight. Within 60 hours, a mortician that agrees to participate follows provided instructions to remove the tattoo, placing it in a nontoxic, temporary preservation compound, and returns it to the NAPSA. The organization then preserves the art and sends it to the beneficiary, who receives a certificate for his or her participation, within six months.

So what is NAPSA? It's the National Association for the Protection of Skin Art. There's a lot of beautiful and meaningful tattoos out there and if that's how you choose to honor a lost friend or relative, then good on you! I think it might be a bit weird to tell people "that's my dads skin", but who cares, its about what brings you comfort.  You can find out more about preserving your tattoos here.

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