TATTOO CLINIC

The Tattoo Clinic is a highly specialized dermatology service dedicated exclusively to tattoo and permanent make up related medical complications. It was founded in January 2017 by dermatologist Dr. S.A.S. van der Bent in response to the rapidly increasing number of individuals experiencing adverse reactions after tattooing.

With the global rise in tattoo prevalence, it became evident that general dermatology services were often unfamiliar with the specific inflammatory, allergic, and pigment related reactions associated with tattoos and PMU. The Tattoo Clinic was established to provide focused, evidence based medical care for these complex cases.

The clinic is currently based at Alrijne Hospital in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Why this clinic is unique

Since its founding, the Tattoo Clinic has evaluated one of the largest clinical cohorts worldwide of patients with tattoo and permanent make up related complications.

Dr. S.A.S. van der Bent has personally evaluated more tattoo and permanent make up related medical complications in routine dermatology practice than any other actively practicing dermatologist worldwide.

This concentrated clinical exposure has resulted in extensive expertise in:

• Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments, particularly red pigments
• Chronic inflammatory reactions
• Granulomatous reactions and sarcoidosis in tattoos
• Persistent nodules and induration
• Tattoo associated infections
• Pigment related adverse events

The high case volume has also formed the foundation for multiple national and international research collaborations and peer reviewed scientific publications. Clinical observations from the Tattoo Clinic have contributed significantly to the global understanding of tattoo related complications.

 Collaboration with the Tattoo Industry

From its inception, the Tattoo Clinic has maintained constructive collaboration with tattoo artists, skin therapists, and professional organizations within the tattoo sector. The goal has always been medical safety, education, and improving awareness of potential complications, without stigmatizing tattooing itself.

The clinic emphasizes evidence based information and open communication between medical professionals and the tattoo community.

 International patients

The Tattoo Clinic primarily treats patients referred within the Netherlands. For practical and regulatory reasons, in person consultations are generally not feasible for international patients.

However, the expertise developed through the clinic is reflected throughout this website. The medical information provided on Tattoos and Health is based on extensive real world clinical experience combined with scientific research.

Digital Consultation

For individuals who are unable to visit the clinic in person, a secure digital dermatology consultation may be an option through 247dermatologist.

This platform provides:

• Secure medical communication
• Dermatologist assessment based on medical history and photographs
• Written treatment advice
• Guidance on whether in person evaluation is necessary

Digital consultation can be particularly useful for initial assessment, second opinions, or determining urgency. Complex cases may still require evaluation by a local dermatologist.