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What Will Happen to my Tattoos After a Tummy Tuck?

asked 1 year ago by levismama in North Charleston, SC
Latest answer by Robert M. Grenley, MD
Question viewed 2,702 times
Tags: belly button, female, weight loss, stretched, tattoo

I've posted here before and was told a full tummy tuck will probably be most beneficial to me. But what would happen to my feather tattoos? If my belly button is moved down in a traditional tummy tuck, won't that mean my feathers will stretch all the way down almost to my hips!? How stretched out will they be? I'm still losing weight so am not planning on having surgery done any time soon, but could I get away with a mini or hybrid tummy tuck?

12 answers to What Will Happen to my Tattoos After a Tummy Tuck?

+1

What Will Happen to my Tattoos After a Tummy Tuck?

The tattoos in the upper tummy and the flanks will probably not be affected, the tattoos in the groin may be removed or left behind depending on the level of scar placement that you and your surgeon agree upon. There may be the possibility that the tattoos in the upper tummy might be just slightly stretched a bit wider as the skin is pulled down, but probably not to a significant degree.
Robert M. Grenley, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck with Tattoos

It all depends,  in your situation, on how important it is to you to have no change to your tattoos.  It certainly would be possible to have a full tummy tuck with no alteration in your tattoo.  A full tummy tuck does not necessarily move your umbilicus to a lower location.  I think you can have a nice result with a tummy tuck with no effect on your tattoo if it is important to you.      
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Full tummy tuck

Lets answer the last question first, you will need a full tummy tuck , not mini or hybrid. As for the tattoos, the ones in lower abdomen will be gone, the feather tattoos will be pulled down, but will stay above the umbilicus. The more weight you loose the more likely the feather tattoos will drop. Good luck
Moneer Jaibaji, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo Movement with Tummy Tuck Surgery

IF I understand your question properly, you seem more concerned with the integrity of your tattoo art than in how much flatter your tummy can be made and how much of the stretch marks damaged skin can be removed. That is different than what most women are concerned with but judging how much you have invested in these tattoos it is vERY important that your surgeon fully understand your concerns and plan your surgery according to your wishes. You would MOST benefit from a FULL Tummy Tuck... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

What Will Happen to my Tattoos After a Tummy Tuck?

From your photos ALL the expert posters agree on results. What concerns me is why your chosen sugeon has not explained this to you? 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Moving tattoos and a tummy tuck too!

I agree that a full tummy tuck is your best option to improve the contour of your abdomen. The feather tattoos will be pulled down quite a bit and may stretch slightly. To lessen this, you could compromise skin excision to prevent tattoo distortion. As for the tattoos in the groin, the incision may be placed above them. This could lead to an elevation of those tattoos, however it would likely be minimal. As for the spiderweb tattoo? Probably minimal change. Your best choice is to consult... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominal tattoos after tummy tuck

There will be shifting of abdominal tattoos after tummy tuck, and tattoos in the central or lower abdomen are affected the most. The tattoos up high by your rib cage will draw down about  an inch, no more, and the tattoos over the hip will probably be removed by tummy tuck. Those over the flank shouldn't be affected. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoo changes with tummy tuck.

I would expect the ones by your ribs to drift down, and parts of the ones on the groin area to be removed.  The ones on your flanks will probably be unscathed but depending upon the pull, you may notice some changes as well.  You have to decide which you want more - to keep the tattoos intact or have a very flat abdomen.  Good luck.
Steven Schuster, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoos and tummy tuck

I suspect the feathers will end up near your upper waist but you should discuss your tattoos with your surgeon and customize your procedure to what you want as an end result. Whether you end up with a full, mini-, or modified tummy tuck will depend on what you want and what you are trying to avoid. Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Travelling tattoos

I agree with the previous surgeon's assessment, your feathers will move south as your abdominal skin is stretched down.  I can only see the top of your groin tattoos but they will likely be totally removed by the surgery.
David S. Rosenberg, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Feathers Stay Up

Dr Izquierdo is right but a more presice answer it that the feather tattoo will still be above the level of the navel. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. You should have a wonderfull result.
Leslie H. Stevens, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tattoos and tummy tuck

Your tattoos on both your groins will most likely be be removed with a tummy tuck. Your tattoos by your ribs will be pulled and stretched farther down your abdomen. Those on your flanks will most likely not be affected.
Ricardo Izquierdo, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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