An Analysis of Information Sources of YouTube Videos Pertaining to Tattoo Removal: Cross-sectional Study

Introduction

Laser-based technologies are the preferred methods for tattoo removal, and the American Academy of Dermatology and the Food and Drug Administration recommend consultation with a dermatologist prior to undergoing these procedures [1]. However, tattoo removal performed by non–health care professionals and via do-it-yourself methods (eg, scrubs, at-home lasers) are widely advertised [2]. Inadequate tattoo removal may lead to dermatologic complications, including scarring and suboptimal cosmetic outcomes. The free video platform YouTube is often accessed by individuals seeking information on cosmetic procedures. However, prior research has shown that YouTube contains misinformation regarding skin health [3-6]. This study aimed to determine the sources of information of YouTube videos discussing tattoo removal and to describe the contents that viewers are exposed to. We hypothesized that most YouTube videos pertaining to tattoo removal are presented by non–health care professionals, with many videos failing to recommend viewers to seek consultation with a dermatologist for these procedures.

Methods

A YouTube query for “tattoo removal” was performed on June 22, 2022. To mitigate selection bias, the search was conducted using incognito mode. Eligible videos were presented in English, featured audio (ie, rather than text-only), and explicitly discussed tattoo removal. Videos that met the inclusion criteria were then independently analyzed by 2 researchers, and the following variables were recorded: profession of the presenter, tattoo removal method discussed, whether an explicit recommendation to see a dermatologist or physician was present in the video, and number of views.

Results

A total of 186 videos were initially identified. After excluding videos unrelated to tattoo removal, without audio, or not in English, we included 162 (87%) of these records in our analysis. Of these 162 videos, most videos were presented by non–health care workers (n=125, 77%), with only 37 (23%) featuring health care professionals (ie, either voice-over or on-screen). Among health care professionals, presenters included dermatologists (n=27, 73%), registered nurses (n=5, 14%), plastic surgeons (n=3, 8%), and physician assistants (n=2, 5%). Laser removal was the most common tattoo removal method discussed across all videos (n=143, 88%); 35 videos from health care professionals addressed this approach, and none of them provided a discussion of technical parameters such as laser settings. The remaining 2 videos created by health care professionals discussed excisional surgery and the ineffectiveness of salt and cocoa butter scrubs. All videos presented by health care professionals suggested that viewers seek tattoo removal through physicians, with treatment in a dermatology office (n=33, 89%) being the most frequent recommendation (Table 1).

While 108 videos by non–health care professionals discussed lasers, only 4 (3.7%) explicitly stated that viewers should schedule a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss the removal of their tattoos. The remaining videos focused on the presenters’ experiences visiting laser clinics (n=95) or utilizing lasers at home (n=9). Nonlaser methods discussed in the videos presented by non–health care professionals included the use of scrubs composed of lemon juice (n=6), salts (n=6), and yogurt (n=1); microneedle patches (n=1); creams (n=1); oral herb therapy (n=1); and the application of ink followed by light (n=1) (Table 1). However, 119 videos from non–health care professionals addressed adverse reactions to removing tattoos, most often pain, blistering, and pigmentation changes; scarring as an adverse event was not mentioned in any of these videos. Among the top 15 most-viewed videos (range 578,340-15,982,270 views), 6 (40%) were created by dermatologists and 1 (7%) by a plastic surgeon. The remaining most-viewed videos were presented by non–health care professionals, none of which encouraged viewers to see a physician for consultation on their tattoo removal. Table 2 summarizes the content of the top 15 most-viewed YouTube videos pertaining to tattoo removal.

Discussion

We report that most YouTube videos regarding tattoo removal are presented by nonmedical professionals. While the majority of videos discuss laser-based methods, only a small fraction of videos recommends viewers to visit a dermatology office for these procedures. Because we only analyzed videos presented in English, we were unable to discuss the full breadth of available content to viewers presented in other languages. However, we suspect that similar misinformation patterns exist across languages.

With patients increasingly seeking health information via the internet [7,8], it is important to ensure the provision of high-quality online patient educational materials pertaining to dermatology. Therefore, we suggest patients view YouTube videos on tattoo removal with caution. Dermatologists have tools to address the misinformation that YouTube contains regarding tattoo removal. Beyond contributing to high-quality patient education through YouTube videos on the topic, the major dermatology societies of the country could consider implementing a robust campaign using their social media platforms that encourages patients contemplating tattoo removal to seek consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. In the clinical setting, proactively taking “social media histories” for patients with tattoos who may be contemplating their removal and assessing patients’ understanding of the best way to approach these procedures could be an important opportunity to address areas of misinformation. Ultimately, dermatologists should remain aware of the overall poor quality of information regarding tattoo removal that is publicly accessible on YouTube. Educating patients on how tattoos are safely removed is important to ensure the best cosmetic outcomes while also avoiding potentially serious complications.