Tattoo Removal Trends Revealed in Global Analysis of Over 200,000 Individuals
Key Takeaways
Individuals aged 18–39 make up two-thirds of those seeking tattoo removal, with visible areas such as forearms and hands being the most treated.
Black ink remains the most commonly removed tattoo pigment.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types III and IV predominatd the sample, highlighting the need for protocols for treating different skin types.
Laser tattoo removal is increasingly sought by individuals across the globe, according to new research presented at the American Academy of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Meeting in Orlando.
The data were presented by Joshua Weitz, MD, chief medical officer at Removery, giving the audience insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics of those pursuing treatment. Dr. Weitz noted in his presentation that laser technology has become the gold standard for tattoo removal, especially as tattoos themselves have become more mainstream. He cited Pew Research Center data showing that 32% of U.S. adults now have at least one tattoo, and that he rising demand for tattoo removal parallels this cultural shift.
“We’re seeing increasing numbers of individuals seeking removal not just due to regret, but also as a form of aesthetic modification or preparation for cover-ups,” he noted.
The data included patient age, tattoo characteristics (location, style, and color), and Fitzpatrick Skin Type. The cohort was diverse in age, but leaned toward younger adults (almost 70% of the cohort were between 18 and 39 years old). Tattoo visibility appeared to be a critical factor, with 46% of tattoos located on highly visible areas like the forearm, hand, and face.
Among the 560,042 tattoos treated, black ink dominated at 75%; this, according to Dr. Weitz, aligned with clinical experience that black is the most responsive to laser treatment. Artistic styles most commonly removed included illustrative and blackwork (each 26%), followed by American traditional styles (16%). Forearms (18%) and hands (14%) were the most frequent anatomical locations.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types III and IV comprised the largest proportion of patients (63% combined), underscoring the need for protocols that ensure safe and effective outcomes across different skin types.
“The diversity in Fitzpatrick types highlights the necessity of individualized treatment protocols to mitigate adverse effects like hypo- or hyperpigmentation,” the research team wrote.
Limitations of the study included data inconsistencies due to evolving intake processes and optional reporting fields within Zenoti. Nonetheless, the findings provide a robust foundation for tailoring laser protocols to demographic and tattoo-specific variables, improving both safety and efficacy.
“This large-scale analysis…offers valuable insights into the demographics and tattoo characteristics of individuals pursuing tattoo removal,” the study authors concluded. “Key findings highlight that most individuals fall within the 18–39 age group, with a high prevalence of highly visible tattoos…[and] the need for protocols that cater to a diverse range of skin types to optimize safety and efficacy.”
Source: Weitz J. Trends and democraphics in tattoo removal: Insights from the largest multinational database. Presented at: ASLMS 2025; April 24-26, 2025; Orlando.