When can I put my belly ring back in after lipo? When can I get a tattoo over the lipo marks?

Question

I’m two months post op and I tried putting it back in but it was so swollen I ended up taking it out. I’m not sure if it was just too soon to put it back in or if it was from the compression garment???? Also when can I get a tattoo over the lipo scars?? Please help thanks

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

If you’re still wearing your compression garment, you must still be swollen. Sometimes the swelling after liposuction performed the old fashioned way without tumescent anesthesia can last for 6 months. (Dermatologic Surgeons perform liposuction totally under local tumescent anesthesia which limits swelling to a few days or weeks. In addition, I have never seen scars from liposuction in the > 25 years since I have been performing liposuction since we use microcannulas that do not require suturing.) I wouldn’t advise you to put in a belly ring until the swelling has completely subsided.  I’d also wait til that time before getting tattoos to hide your scars. You might also look into other ways to improve the look of your scar, with a variety of lasers. Please consult the person who performed your surgery if you’re not sure where you are in your recovery.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Dibellababi.  It may be more comfortable for you to reinsert your bellybutton ring after you can stop wearing the elastic garment. I would also wait one more month for any tattoo procedures. However you really should discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Your best resource of information would be your surgeon. Each has a different protocol to follow post-op. Generally, belly rings are not advised to be put back while the swelling still persist. With regards to the tattoo, usually patients are advised to postpone their tattoos until the sutures are fully healed and the body has fully recovered to avoid infection.

When can I put my belly ring back in after lipo? When can I get a tattoo over the lipo marks?

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When can I put my belly ring back in after lipo? When can I get a tattoo over the lipo marks?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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