Australians travel to Bali for risky tattoos under general anaesthetic

Thousands of Australians are reportedly travelling to Bali for large tattoos carried out while they are under general anaesthetic. Australian tattoo artists and medical professionals say the practice adds serious, unnecessary risks to a procedure that can usually be done without anaesthesia.

The packages cost between $9,000 and $16,000 and include hospital and procedure fees. Up to nine artists may work at once during sessions lasting 10 to 20 hours, compressing work that might normally take months or years into one or two appointments. Sydney artist Kian Forreal also argues that enduring the process is part of the personal meaning of a tattoo, while doctors warn general anaesthesia requires specialist monitoring and carries risks including death.