A Study Assessing the Practices and Motivation for Seeking Tattoo Removal

ABSTRACT

Background@#As the number of patients getting tattooed is increasing, so is the number of patients seeking removal of tattoos. The primary objective of this study was to assess the reasons as to why patients got tattoos and also seek tattoo removal. The secondary objective was to study the demographics and the knowledge they had regarding tattoo removal.@*Methods@#A cross sectional study was done among 250 consecutive patients who attended the Dermatology centre seeking tattoo removal. A questionnaire was used to fill in the details.@*Results@#167 males and 83 females were included in the study. Majority of patients were in the age group of 21 to 30 years (43.8%) followed by 31-40 years (26.7%). 56.6% of patients had got tattoos in the third decade and 35.1% in the second decade. 52.6% of those seeking tattoo removal had got their tattoos from amateur artists, village fairs or roadside tattoo shops. 45.8% did not have a specific reason for getting a tattoo and were decorative tattoos. 34.7% had names of their beloved or family members. 29.5% were seeking removal for professional reasons and 23.1% due to changes in relationship status.@*Conclusion@#Patients seek tattoo removal mainly for professional reasons, changes in personal relationships when they have name tattoo and due to complications. Most of the patients were in the third decade of life. It is important to educate school going children ang youngsters regarding the permanent nature of tattoo and its complications.