Study explores women's experiences of medical tattooing
A recent study by the Centre for Appearance Research at UWE Bristol has explored women's experiences of medical tattooing.
Having an appearance-altering condition, such as alopecia, and its ongoing treatment, can have a significant impact on people’s lives and emotional health. Despite the wide range of medical treatments available, the success rate of these treatments can vary and the side effects can be unpleasant.
Senior Research Fellow Nicola Stock said: “Alternative treatments, such as medical tattooing, are becoming more popular. However, medical tattooing is a largely unregulated industry and we don’t yet have a good understanding of the benefits and risks involved, or how to achieve the best outcome for the individual.
“The study was launched to find out what motivated women to choose medical tattooing and how we could learn from their experiences to support others.”
The research team at the Centre for Appearance Research carried out individual telephone interviews with 25 women aged 26-67 years who had experience of medical tattooing in the past five years. Most participants reported a form of hair loss as a result of alopecia, lichen planopilaris or ectodermal dysplasia, and had chosen to have their eyebrows and/or eyeliner tattooed.
Participants had chosen to undergo medical tattooing to alleviate appearance concerns, and to restore self-confidence, identity and/or femininity. Most participants were satisfied with the outcome and would recommend medical tattooing to others.
Amy Johnson lost her eyebrows and eyelashes to alopecia areata in 2010. She said: “Without my eyebrows I no longer recognised the face staring back at me in the mirror. Following a medical tattooing procedure, I identified with my reflection once more and my new eyebrows really helped to boost my confidence. Having medical tattooing isn’t for everyone, but it certainly helped me in my own journey with alopecia”.
However, the study also identified a need for better regulation of medical tattooing. Leading charity Alopecia UK stated: “Having access to medical tattooing can give people back what they have lost, which can provide a huge boost to confidence. If someone decides they wish to undergo a medical tattooing procedure, we would always recommend that they consult with a suitably qualified professional and ask to see evidence of their work with clients with alopecia.”
Rae Denman, medical tattooist and collaborator on the study, commented: “The emotional impact of hair loss should not be undervalued. Treatment to restore appearance due to a medical condition should be distinguished from the beauty industry and should be recognised as a medical need.”
The team hope this research will help to raise awareness of medical tattooing and its risks and benefits among health professionals and individuals who have experienced hair loss.
Related news
22 October 2024
‘Life changing’ prosthetic leg developed at UWE Bristol to be trialled at global competition
Researchers from UWE Bristol are preparing to showcase an advanced bio-inspired prosthetic leg they have developed to improve the quality of life for people with above-knee amputations.
15 October 2024
Researchers create 3D printed food for people with swallowing difficulties
Researchers have developed meals suitable for people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) using 3D printing technology.
10 October 2024
UWE Bristol graduates release song for Bristol-based Talk Club on World Mental Health Day
Through a university-led scheme, UWE Bristol graduates have created a music single aimed at raising awareness of national mental health charity Talk Club.
08 October 2024
Robotic clothing to aid walking a step closer after £11m funding
A new hub will develop healthcare technologies to support the independence of older people with in-home, on-body physical assistance devices.
01 October 2024
Research study aims to improve dementia assessments for diverse communities in Bristol
UWE Bristol is launching a research project aimed at transforming the assessment and diagnosis of dementia for people from three minority ethnic communities in Bristol.
01 October 2024
New guidance launched to help local authorities promote health through Local Plans
New practical guidance to help local authorities in England create places that promote health has been co-authored by a UWE Bristol academic.
29 August 2024
Public trust in drinking water safety is low globally, study finds
A new study has found more than half of adults surveyed worldwide expect to be seriously harmed by their water within the next two years.
13 August 2024
Leading role for UWE Bristol in £33.2m programme to inspire students into research
UWE Bristol will play a leading role in a new £33.2m national programme designed to attract people into research careers in health and social care.
12 August 2024
‘Absolutely incredible’ – UWE Bristol responds to silver medal win for student Izzy Thorpe
The UWE Bristol community has congratulated sports rehabilitation student Izzy Thorpe, and her partner Kate Shortman, after the pair won a silver medal in artistic swimming at the Paris Olympics.
08 August 2024
UWE Bristol nursing lecturer and a multi-disciplinary genomics team win prestigious teaching excellence awards
An adult nursing lecturer and a multi-disciplinary genomics team at UWE Bristol have been announced as winners of Advance HE's National Teaching Excellence Awards.
26 July 2024
UWE Bristol student ‘in it to win it’ at Paris Olympics
UWE Bristol sports rehabilitation student Izzy Thorpe is competing at the Paris Olympics in artistic swimming.
23 July 2024
Bristol Bears player given Honorary Degree for tackling mental health stigma
Bristol Bears rugby player Amber Reed has been given an Honorary Degree by UWE Bristol for tackling mental health stigma in sport.