Breast Tattoo Safe with Breast Implants?

Question

I have breast implants and would like to have a tattoo that covers my left breast. Is this dangerous? I've had the implants for 4 years.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It should be safe to get a tattoo then wait a full month for your breast augmentation.Please discuss with your plastic surgeon for his blessings and viewpoint

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As long as you seek out a highly regarded tattoo artist who practices great sterile technique, getting a tattoo on your breast(s) following a breast augmentation should not be an issue.  The biggest risk with getting a tattoo would be for infection, so sterile technique, a clean facility and good post-tattoo care are of the utmost importance.  I hope this helps!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It would probably be okay however you should make sure to go to an experienced and reputable tattoo artist whom you can trust. You don't want to compromise your health with a  possible infection! The tattoo needle is very short and will not penetrate your skin to the depth of where your implant is located.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

You will be fine. There is no reason why you cannot have a tattoo that covers your breast after breast augmentation. As long as everything is healed up well and you are going to a qualified tattoo artist, you should be fine. Good luck and enjoy your tattoo.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The straightforward answer is yes. You can get a tattoo with a breast implant and not worry about puncturing the implant. In fact, when we reconstruct a breast after breast cancer, we use a tattoo device to create the pigmented areola.
However, there are some other concerns that have been raised about tattoos and breast implants. First make sure you go to a reputable artist who uses not only sterile needles but individually distributed paigments. Another concern is that hardening of the implants (capsular contracture) is caused by a low grade bacterial presence (biofilm). There is some anectdoal eveidence to suggest that a tattoo can result in spreading of bacteria through the bloodstream where they settle on the implant. For the most part this is theoretical but I bring it up for the sake of completeness.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, assuming you are using a reputable tattoo artist, and no infection ensues, you should do just fine.   You may find the attached link, demonstrating many patients with chest wall tattoos, helpful to you. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A tattoo if applied under sterile conditions should be ok in a patient that has breast augmentation. I do not think it should cause a problem for you.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Do you mean will a tattoo affect the breast implants in any way? Tattoo placement as long as the artist is qualified and the tissues over your implants are thick enough should be OK. I would check with your surgeon beforehand if you have any doubts.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

There should be no physical damage to the implant. I recommend that you ensure sterility so as not to get a transmitted disease. Be sure that this is what you really want to do. The tattoo can not be easily removed, and especially without scars. You may one day regret that you did this. Think about when you move into your "golden years" .

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

You should be safe to have a tattoo over the breast after breast augmentation. Tattoos are often used for our breast reconstruction patients to add color to the nipple if needed, and this has never caused any problem.
Tattooing is certainly controvertial but is safe. If you are sure of your decision you needn't let others discourage you, though if unsure it is best to wait.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

Breast Tattoo Safe with Breast Implants?

Answers (13)

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