More women request tattoo removal.
More women request tattoo removal.
Source reference:
Armstrong M, et al
“Motivation for contemporary tattoo removal: a shift in identity”
Archives of Dermatology 2008; 144: 879-884.
According to the researchers in this report about a quarter of those ages 18 to 30 have a tattoo, and that proportion is expected to rise to about 40% in the next few years.
“While men reported some of the same tattoo problems leading to removal, there seemed to be more societal fallout for women with tattoos, as the tattoos began to cause embarrassment, negative comments, and clothes problems and no longer satisfied the need for uniqueness,” the researchers said.
Most of the participants reported receiving their tattoos from ages 16 to 23 (70% for men, 64% for women).
The major factors contributing to the decision to remove the tattoos were “got tired of it” (68%), “just grew up” (66%), “having to hide the tattoo” (67%), and negative comments from a “significant other” (32%).
Comment:
In my practice, tattoos are very common on young women.
This study seems to suggest that after a few years, not all women are pleased with their tattoo decision.