Decorative tattoos and reasons for their removal: a prospective study in 151 adults living in South of France

Abstract

These profiles could be used to target information campaigns about tattooing and tattoo removal techniques to avoid unwanted tattoos, and afterwards, possible disappointment after removal, as well as to target education programs on possible health risks. Furthermore, our findings open the way to focus further studies on more homogenous group of tattooed subjects.

Specifically requesting surgical tattoo removal: are deep personal motivations involved?

“…For example, in their series of 151 French adults requesting laser tattoo removal, Latreille et al reported that the main motivations were aesthetic ('never pleased with the tattoo' 21%, 'became dissatisfied with the tattoo' 12%, 'bored with the tattoo' 9%), 'embarrassment or shame' (20%) and 'professional' (17%). 7 Armstrong et al found in a self-reporting anonymous survey that 58% 'just wanted to remove it', 57% 'suffered embarrassment', 38% had 'lowered body image' and another 38% a 'new job ⁄ career'. 8 In a study 10 years earlier, Armstrong et al had found similar motivations such as 'helping to feel better about oneself', 'being tired of having one design', 'being more credible with friends'.…”

“…Armstrong et al observed a 10-year delay, while Latreille et al reported that 74% of their patient had had their tattoos for more than 5 years. 7,8 Last, Varma et al noted a 14-year period of regret before requesting removal. 11 All the tattoos in our series were obviously relatively small, and surgery was not declined due to the large size of the tattoo.…”

“…Demographic and clinical data, number of tattoos, tattoo location and size, time since the tattoo was applied, reason(s) for wanting surgical removal and any surgical operations were systematically collected. Tattoo size was categorized according to Latreille et al 7 ; small <30 cm 2 , medium 30-100 cm 2 and large >100 cm 2 .…”

“…Adults are motivated by personal embarrassment, improved self-esteem, the desire to improve employment prospects (work incompatibility, job changes or entering the job market), stigmata, family pressure, changes in lifestyles or partners, incompatibility with present attitudes and values and clothing problems. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In fair-skinned individuals, Q-switched lasers have proven to be effective in removing pigmented lesions and tattoos without scarring and are nowadays the removal modality of choice. 6,[13][14][15] An alternative is surgical removal, i.e.…”

Tattoo preservation during surgical procedures

“…Reasons for tattoo removal include conditions of employment, stigma, a change in lifestyle or partner, incompatibility with current attitudes and values, and clothing issues. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Data reported in the 2006 Pew Research Center survey indicate that 17% of Americans regret having been tattooed, and 11% of people with tattoos opt to undergo a removal procedure. 4 There are presently several methods available for tattoo removal, including chemical (introduction of various caustic products into the dermis or application to the skin), mechanical (dermabrasion, salabrasion, cryosurgery, surgery), and thermal (Q-switched laser, infrared coagulation) approaches.…”