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

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Samantha Huang, Gabriella Blissett, Bing April Pei, Nina Balac & Jo Marie Reilly

  2. Homeboy Industries, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jessica Bogner

Authors
  1. Samantha Huang
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  2. Gabriella Blissett
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  3. Bing April Pei
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  4. Nina Balac
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  5. Jessica Bogner
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  6. Jo Marie Reilly
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the conception of the study, data collection, data analysis, and writing of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Samantha Huang.

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The authors have no conflict of interest or financial disclosures related to this manuscript. There are no declarations to disclose.

Ethical Approval

Approval was obtained from the LA Biomed Research Institute. This project was determined by the John F. Wolf Human Subjects Committee (1) that the proposed activity, as it pertains to submission reference #048108, is not human subject research as defined by DHHS and/or FDA regulations.

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Huang, S., Blissett, G., Pei, B.A. et al. A Descriptive Analysis of the Epidemiology and Motivations for Laser Tattoo Removal in an Underserved Population. J Community Health 47, 127–135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-021-01024-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-021-01024-w

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