A Descriptive Analysis of the Epidemiology and Motivations for Laser Tattoo Removal in an Underserved Population.

Tattoos of formerly gang-involved and incarcerated individuals can negatively impact their ability to reintegrate into society. Laser tattoo removal is essential to helping individuals obtain employment, re-cultivate positive relationships, and disengage from gangs. The objective of this study is to describe the demographics and motivations for laser tattoo removal at a large nonprofit clinic. This was a single center retrospective study conducted on patients presenting to Ya'stuvo Tattoo Removal between January 2016-December 2018 and had at least three laser tattoo removal sessions. Data was recorded on patient demographics, geographic location of residence (e.g. zipcode), comorbidities, probation/parole status, referral source, transportation mode, and motivations for receiving and removing tattoos. A representative sample of 862 patients was used to conduct our analysis. Average age at first visit was 30. 16% (n = 134) were on probation, 8% (n = 66) were on parole, and 63% (n = 544) did not report their probation/parole status. Reasons for receiving a tattoo included gangs (46%, n = 368), a current or ex-relationship (28%, n = 223), and decoration (20%, n = 159). The most common reasons for tattoo removal were employment (66%, n = 546), readiness to change life (47%, n = 392), maturity (47%, n = 392), family (43%, n = 356), and negative attention from tattoos (37%, n = 303). The current study highlights the importance of laser tattoo removal in reintegration and gang disengagement. Expanding cost efficient laser tattoo removal is paramount to meet the safety and socioeconomic needs of this population.

Tattoo Removal in People of Color Who Were Formerly Incarcerated or Were Gang Members: Complications and Best Practices.

There are limited data about the tattoo removal process in formerly gang-involved and incarcerated people of color. This single center retrospective study was conducted on patients treated at Homeboy Industries' Ya'Stuvo Tattoo Removal Clinic between January 2016-December 2018. It reviewed data on 2,118 tattoos, and a representative sample of 502 patients was used to conduct our analysis. Treatment on 118 of the tattoos (5.57%) resulted in at least one complication (hypo-or hyper-pigmentation, keloids, or scarring). Patients who experienced tattoo removal complications (7.3%) were less likely to return to complete the removal process. More complications were experienced with higher fluences of energy, on tattoos placed by professional artists, on colored tattoos, and tattoos on clients who had a greater number of treatments. The study highlights complications and best practices in tattoo removal in people of color, a process critical to the reintegration and gang disengagement of this vulnerable population.