Tattoo removal by Q-switched YAG laser: Client satisfaction

Abstract

Background

Tattoo removal by Q-switched lasers is golden standard; however, clients' satisfaction with treatment is little known.

Objective

To determine clients' satisfaction with tattoo removal.

Methods

154 tattoo removal clients who had attended the private clinic "Centre for Laser Surgery", Hellerup, Denmark from 2001-2013 completed a questionnaire concerning outcome expectations, level of pain experiences and satisfaction with tattoo removal. The laser surgeon and his team were blinded from data handling. The study design included a minimum 2-year post-laser treatment observation period from 2013-2015.

Results

Overall, clients were satisfied with their laser treatment; 85% assessed their treatment and results to be acceptable to superb, while 15% assessed their treatment and results to be inferior to unacceptable. Effectiveness relative to colour of tattoo on a scale from 0 (no effect) to 10 (complete removal) scored a mean of: blue 9.5, black 9.4, yellow 8.9, red 8.8 and green 6.5.

Clients were dissatisfied with green pigment remnants, which could mimic bruising. 129 clients (84%) experienced moderate to extreme pain during treatment. 28 (20%) developed minor scarring. There were many reasons for tattoo removal; e.g. stigmatisation (33%), conspicuousness (29%) and poor artistic quality (22%). 102 clients had expected complete removal of tattoos without a blemish, expectations that were only partly fulfilled. During the treatment period, clients adjusted expectations and adapted more realistic views of outcomes.

Conclusion

The majority of clients were satisfied with Q-switched YAG laser removal of tattoos despite high pre-treatment expectations were only partly met. The study supports YAG lasers for tattoo removal as acceptable therapy of today, with room for new approaches.

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