Varma S, Lanigan S W
Department of Dermatology, Bridgend General Hospital, Quarella Road, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF31 1JP, U.K.
Br J Dermatol. 1999 Mar;140(3):483-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02714.x.
Laser removal of tattoos is not generally or readily available on the National Health Service and removal in privately run clinics is expensive. For those seeking removal of their tattoo this can create significant financial hardship. We investigated the psychological, social and financial impact of tattoos on the lives of those patients requesting laser removal. Sixty-eight patients with a mean age of 36 years participated. Twenty-seven (40%) had one tattoo, whereas eight (12%) possessed 10 or more; 54% had an amateur tattoo. Only 18% had received an explanation of the procedure or side-effects. The mean age at application of the first tattoo was 16 years; 48 (71%) were tattooed below the legal age limit of 18 years. Most tattoos were applied for the sake of fashion. The median duration of regret was 14 years before seeking removal. The main reasons for removal were enhancement of self-esteem and social, domestic and family reasons. In those patients attending for removal, most tattoos are applied impulsively and inexpensively in youth. They are often regretted for decades and create significant psychological, social and financial burdens.
国民医疗服务体系一般不提供或难以提供激光去除纹身的服务，而在私立诊所进行去除纹身的费用又很高。对于那些想要去除纹身的人来说，这可能会造成巨大的经济困难。我们调查了纹身对那些要求激光去除纹身的患者生活所产生的心理、社会和经济影响。68名平均年龄为36岁的患者参与了调查。27人（40%）有一处纹身，而8人（12%）有10处或更多纹身；54%的纹身是业余纹身。只有18%的人得到过关于手术过程或副作用的解释。首次纹身时的平均年龄为16岁；48人（71%）在18岁的法定年龄限制以下纹身。大多数纹身是出于时尚目的。后悔纹身的中位数时间是在寻求去除纹身之前的14年。去除纹身的主要原因是增强自尊以及社会、家庭和个人原因。在那些前来去除纹身的患者中，大多数纹身是在年轻时冲动且廉价地纹上的。他们常常在几十年里都后悔不已，并且造成了巨大的心理、社会和经济负担。
