Plenty of anecdotal evidence points to the positive benefits of tattoo removal. But there have been few real-life studies to highlight this fact – at least, not until recently.
Seven medical students at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, under the direction of Professor Jo Marie Reilly, M.D., conducted one of these studies. They interviewed 135 participants at 14 California tattoo removal clinics, expanding previous research done at Homeboy Industries that included 91 participants.
The negative effects of tattoos
First a bit of background offered by the researchers:
- Visible tattoos can hinder a job seeker’s prospects, according to 76 percent of employers.
- Tattoos can have a significant negative impact on those who are formerly incarcerated or gang-affiliated.
- They can also be subject to increased police profiling.
- Gang-affiliated individuals are willing to get offensive tattoos removed if given the chance.
The method used in the study
The participants, who had to be at least 18 years of age and completed at least one tattoo removal, were interviewed in English or Spanish. And the interviews lasted between 30 minutes and one hour. Participants were compensated with a $20 gift card.
The reasons behind getting the tattoo and their removal
Researchers found that the main reasons participants got their tattoos to begin with included that they:
- Were a member of a gang.
- Thought it was cool.
- Wanted to be part of prison culture.
- Were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Participants wanted their tattoos removed because they:
- Needed employment.
- Were embarrassed or ashamed.
- Wanted better relationships with their families.
- Were ready to change their lives.
- Didn’t want the negative attention that tattoos can bring.
During the interviews, the medical students asked participants how they saw themselves before and after the tattoo removal on a scale of 1 to 10.
“The majority of participants reported increased confidence, happiness and feelings of societal acceptance following tattoo removal, demonstrating its positive psychological impact. This measure provides quantitative support for the changes described qualitatively by participants,” Angelica Mendez, the team leader, says.
The overwhelming majority said they feel safer now that their tattoo(s) has been removed, and nearly half said it helped them get a job.
The most surprising finding, she says, has been the profound emotional weight participants place on tattoo removal – not just for employment, but for identity, safety and dignity. Many described feeling “seen differently” by society and by themselves after removal, highlighting impacts far beyond what we initially anticipated.”
The ultimate goal of the benefits of tattoo removal study
“The ultimate goal is to formally characterize and document the benefits of tattoo removal that providers witness daily but that have not been systematically studied,” says Mendez. “We aim to collect data that demonstrates the mental health, social and employment-related benefits of tattoo removal – particularly when offered at free or low-cost clinics. Our hope is that this evidence will support broader investment in these services and validate tattoo removal as a legitimate, life-changing public health intervention.”
Who will benefit from this study
The researchers hope that the study will benefit individuals seeking affordable tattoo removal services, especially those facing barriers because of prior incarceration or gang affiliation.
“By demonstrating positive outcomes, we hope to encourage statewide and national organizations to allocate funding to low-cost clinics,” Mendez says.
She also says that she expects the study to benefit the clinics themselves, “by increasing visibility of the essential services they provide, strengthening their case for sustainable funding and allowing them to expand care to more patients.”
Presenting at conferences
The students’ findings have been presented at several conferences:
- The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) National Conference in Chicago in September 2025.
- The Keck Family Medicine Research Symposium in Los Angeles in January 2025.
- The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Conference in North Carolina in February.
The response from the audiences at these presentations has been overwhelmingly positive. “Attendees frequently express surprise at the magnitude of the mental health and employment impacts and are interested in expanding similar programs in their own communities,” she says. “Many have shared that the data reframed tattoo removal as a public health and equity issue rather than a cosmetic service.”
Advocacy goals
The study includes a list of advocacy goals to be carried out through collaboration among researchers, clinics, nonprofit organizations and policymakers.
These goals include:
- Expanding tattoo removal services and increasing access for those who are formerly incarcerated or gang affiliated.
- Being able to use the data to secure federal state, and other available funding opportunities for free or low-cost tattoo removal programs.
- Working with California elected officials to make this type of tattoo removal a reimbursable service under Medi-Cal.
- Integrating tattoo removal into recidivism reduction programs.
“By disseminating our findings, we aim to empower advocacy groups and funding bodies to use this data to support policy change and resource allocation, with the ultimate goal of encouraging increased statewide and federal funding for low-cost tattoo removal clinics that serve justice-involved communities.” Mendez says.
Editor’s note: Jails to Jobs provided support for this research through funding, mentorship and advocacy aligned with the project’s mission. The organization also facilitated connections between the research team and clinics across California, contributing to clinic engagement and broad participation in the study. This support is disclosed in the interest of transparency.
