The Statistics Surrounding Tattoo Regret and How to Avoid It | Advanced Dermatology (2024)

FAQs

What percentage of people regret getting a tattoo? ›

According to a national survey by Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, tattoo regret builds over time. Six months to a year after getting one, 15% of those asked said they regret getting body art. After two years, that number jumps to 51%. Dr.

Choose a Subject That You Won't Grow Tired Of

The subject could be family-based (as long as not in-laws) or based on a deep-seated passion that has been with you since you were small. Ensure that the subject is not based on something that is trending, as trends by nature are fleeting and often lead to regret.

Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.

Tattoo regret is a real feeling plenty of people have after going under the needle. Around a quarter of those who get a tat decide that they don't like it later.

Gender: 38% of women have at least one tattoo, compared with 27% of men. This includes 56% of women ages 18 to 29 and 53% of women ages 30 to 49. Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans.

Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt. Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it.

Body art is very individual, so plagiarizing another artist's design can make tattooers very uncomfortable. "Clients come in all the time asking for a tattoo designed by another artist, and that's a definite no-no in the world of tattooing," Velvet said.

My advice is simple: don't be afraid to keep a reminder of the things, or people, that have made you happy. It's not shallow to prioritise the aesthetic of your tattoos over the symbolism; meanings can change, but if you like how it looks, it's much easier to love long-term.

Some experts recommend that appearance should be appropriate for the patient population, and this can be considered. Although patients may not mind a resident's or fellow's tattoos, the same may not be said for attendings, as medicine has historically been a conservative profession.

If equipment used to create a tattoo has infected blood on it, you can get diseases that are spread through blood. Examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To lower your risk, get vaccinated for hepatitis B before you get a tattoo.

What do psychologists say about tattoos? ›

One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.

However, for others, regret was immediate, with 18% experiencing it just a few days after getting the tattoo, 16% felt regret within one week to three months, and 15% realized their regret within six months to one year.

Some people feel psyched about their new tattoo, while others might feel sick. If you're feeling a bit under the weather after getting some new ink, you might be experiencing “tattoo flu.” Usually mild and quick to pass, this post tattoo flu-like illness is a common result of your body's natural defenses saying “Whoa!

The most common reason for regret was 'not liking the tattoo anymore'. The most common motivations for having tattoos were 'to feel independent', 'to feel better about himself/herself' and 'to look good'. Women had higher scores than men regarding tattoo motivations of 'to be an individual' and 'to have a beauty mark'.

Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less. This was especially among those who reported a history of depression. The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control over the self. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken.

Tattoo ink can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can happen even years after getting a tattoo. Red ink tends to be more prone to allergic reactions that other tattoo ink colors. Skin infections.

Tattoos often have a negative stigma in society, particularly from the older generations. From this demographic, tattoos are sometimes viewed as trashy, or as a reason not to take someone seriously. Even as a reason not to give someone a job they are qualified for.