A mixed methods evaluation of medical tattooing for people who have experienced a burn injury

Abstract

Introduction:There are no existing studies examining the psychological merits of using facial medical tattooing (MT) following burn injury. This study evaluated an MT service supported by The Katie Piper Foundation. It examined accessibility, satisfaction and whether there were improvements in quality of life (QoL).Methods:Thirty-five service-users were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. Twenty-five (71%) responded (24 women; age range = 21–64 years), and of these five (4 women; age range = 26–59 years) also participated in telephone interviews, which were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis.Findings:The service was largely considered easy to access (22/25) and convenient (25/25). Most service-users (22/25) were satisfied with the results of MT. Some areas of dissatisfaction were described, by a minority of service-users, including: the procedure being painful (1/25); the tattoo being below expectation or fading over time (3/25). The majority reported that MT had improved confidence (22/25); mood (19/25); and ability to socialise (19/25). The procedure improved some service-users’ ability to carry out essential activities (14/25) and enjoyable activities (16/25). The qualitative responses provided during interview, indicated that all respondents found the procedure useful to their adjustment, although a minority (3/5) found it painful and also commented on fading (1/5). All described MT as contributing to a sense of increased normality.Conclusions:MT had the largest impact on emotional wellbeing and interpersonal domains of QoL. MT services should now improve awareness of the procedure, lobby for further support to provide wider access to the procedure, and routinely use measures assessing psychosocial outcomes.

Applications of Medical Tattooing: A Systematic Review of Patient Satisfaction Outcomes and Emerging Trends

“…The study by Yeates et al published in 2018 described that burn scar restoration of the face is a good example. 9 This was a retrospective online survey with patients who received referral to a “tattoo provider” for medical tattooing of hypopigmented facial burn scars. These referrals were made by a charitable foundation focused on comprehensive burn patient care in the United Kingdom.…”

“…Self-confidence was reported as improved in 22 (88%) patients, mood was reported as improved in 19 (76%) patients, and the ability to socialize was reported as improved in 19 (76%) patients. 9 This study, while retrospective, represents the most complete assessment of patient-reported outcome measurement by including psychological functioning and QoL.…”

The Application of Medical Tattooing in Cosmetic Breast Surgery

“…13 Other recent studies show the beneficial impact of medical tattooing on patient body image and psychosocial functioning. [14][15][16] Applications of medical tattooing are expanding, and the field needs professional direction. Elsewhere, we have suggested guidelines and an extensive training curriculum for a medical tattoo assistant profession.…”

Tattoos in Psychodermatology

“…Although complications due to tattoo practices may be a serious health problem, tattoos are also used for medical purposes to camouflage unwanted scars or wound marks and thus allow patients to overcome some negative psychosocial experiences due to burns, postsurgical/postmastectomy scarring, self-harm scars, accidents, and so on [77]. Indeed, scars, especially on visible areas, are disfiguring and stigmatizing with resultant psychosocial implications encompassing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, avoidance from social activities, and impaired quality of life.…”