Laser Tattoo Removal before Tummy Tuck?

I am 5'3'' and weigh about 131 lbs. I have excess skin left over from pregnancy that wrinkles up above problem is I also have a tattoo of a daisy chain around my belly button. Can I have Laser Tattoo Removal before undergoing Tummy Tuck? If so, how soon after the procedure can I have Tummy Tuck?

 

Laser Tattoo Removal before Tummy Tuck?
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8 answers to “Laser Tattoo Removal before Tummy Tuck?”

A: Tattoo removal before tummy tuck? That is backward!

Scott E. Kasden, MD

You should have the tummy tuck first!  Most, and if you are lucky, all of the tattoo will be removed with the tummy tuck.  I would therefore recommend that you have the tummy tuck first, and then, after you are healed, and after you check with your surgeon, proceed with any laser tattoo removal that... more

A: would make more sense to do it after

Bruce Barach, MD

It will probably take many laser treatments to remove the tattoo, so your surgery might be waiting awhile. if you have the surgery first, there will probably be some of the tattoo removed , leaving less work to do with the laser.

A: Tummy tuck first then remove what is left of the tattoo

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

As the doctor stated above, tattoo removal will take a very long time, over a year and multiple treatments. A tummy tuck will remove about half of the tattoo and what is left will be low near your bathing suit line. There will also be fewer laser treatments necessary to remove the tatoo if half is removed by... more

A: Have the Tummy Tuck first

Edward A. Pechter, MD

Your entire tattoo can be removed with the tummy tuck although it might mean leaving the Tummy Tuck scar a little higher than usual.  Even if the Tummy Tuck scar is placed in its usual low position whatever remains of the tattoo will be moved to the lower abdomen just above the scar.  Perhaps any... more

A: Your tattoo can be removed with a modified tummy tuck.

George J. Beraka, MD

To tummytucknow, Hi!  All of your tattoo can be removed with a tummy tuck.  In order to do that, the tummy tuck scar would probably have to be placed HIGHER than normal.  A higher scar does not look as good.  But for you, this is the best compromise, because laser tattoo removal does not... more

A: Tattoo Removal generally not advisable before Abdominoplasty

Manish Raj Gupta, MD

Depending on the location of the tattoo, you may not need to undergo the laser removal, the tattoo might be in an area where the skin is being resected. Generally speaking, you would seek to avoid damaging any of the skin that might be under stretch as part of the surgery, so I would recommend that laser... more

A: Have the Tummy Tuck first

Robert M. Freund, MD

As everyone else has resoundingly said below - have the tummy tuck first. I would not consider a higher scar than usual because scars are permanent and a higher scar will be visible above your panty line. Choose a normal low scar and when you have healed you can treat the remaining tattoo with removal. An even... more

A: Laser tattoo removal takes multiple treatments

Ronald Shelton, MD

Yes, but keep in mind that laser tattoo removal does require multiple treatments, as much as ten or more, once per month or six weeks apart, so this could delay your Tummy Tuck.

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