Tattooing in the Gulf region: A review of tattoo practices and response to treatment with the Q-switched ruby laser

Abstract

Background: Data regarding tattoo practices in the Gulf region and response to treatment are almost non-existent in the medical literature. Objective: To study the profile of patients with permanent tattoos in the Arab world, and to evaluate their response to Q-switched ruby laser treatment. Methods: A total of 468 consecutive patients with permanent tattoos consulting us for tattoo removal were recruited in the present study. Before starting the treatment each patient was given a set of questionnaires to answer. The patients were then treated with the Q-switched ruby laser, with a time interval of 8 weeks between each laser session, until complete clearance or up to a maximum of 10 sessions. Results: A total of 292 patients out of 348 patients achieved excellent lightening to complete clearance of tattoo pigment after an average of six sittings (range 2–10 sittings). Female patients with fair complexions and amateur tattoos on the face responded best. Seventy-eight (22.4%) patients developed pigmentary changes. Conclusion: More females than males had tattoos, and at a very young age and mostly on the advice of their parents. The majority of patients wanted to remove the tattoos because of religious reasons. The Q-switched ruby laser seems to be highly effective in removing amateur blue-black tattoos in patients with colored skin.