Breast augmentation & tattoos - could the procedure make my skin shift and affect the tattoo?

Question

I have a very odd question concerning breast augmentation and tattoos. I’m scheduled to get an augmentation with a lift next year but I want a spine tattoo. I’m worried that if I get the tattoo, once I get the procedure my skin may shift and it will no longer be straight. Does this happen with lifts or am I being overly paranoid?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear brittttttt,
breast augmentation will not cause a change in back tattoos. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Great question!  Usually a breast lift is not so dramatic that it would tether or pull your back skin so much that you'd notice it at the midline (spine area).  Assuming you are reasonably symmetric now and require a lift for both breasts, there should be a reasonably same amount of tightening of breast skin on both sides, which from the back, you'd see a more smooth appearance of the lateral breast/flank area.  Your plastic surgeon should be able show you this effect in more detail and may have corresponding patient photos that demonstrate how this looks.  Good luck and thanks for reaching out!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you are being paranoid. The lift for the breasts in front of your body will do nothing to the skin in back.

Daniel Garcia Paricio, MD · Answer

It is not and odd question. Surgeries as breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction or just breast augmentation can definitely change tattoos location and/or shape due to direct skin removal or modification of adjacent skin. If the tattoo is not in the area to correct it is utmost improbably to be modified.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
As your skin is quite elastic, breast augmentation / lift will not distort the tissues of the back unless extremely large implants are utilized. It should have no effect upon a spinal tattoo. 
Best wishes...

Breast augmentation & tattoos - could the procedure make my skin shift and affect the tattoo?

Answers (5)

Answer: Dr Daniel Garcia Paricio

Answer: Dr Daniel Garcia Paricio

Answer: Will a breast augmentation distort a spinal tattoo?

Answer: Will a breast augmentation distort a spinal tattoo?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Breast augmentation & tattoos - could the procedure make my skin shift and affect the tattoo?

Answers (5)

Answer: Dr Daniel Garcia Paricio

Answer: Dr Daniel Garcia Paricio

Answer: Will a breast augmentation distort a spinal tattoo?

Answer: Will a breast augmentation distort a spinal tattoo?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.