Could a tummy tuck remove this tattoo? (Photos)

Question

Hi! I’m a 23 year old looking into getting a tummy tuck to remove a tattoo. The tattoo has ruined my confidence. I am way too scared for laser removal and figure this will be faster and potentially cheaper. I am not sure if this is actually viable due to the size/placement of the tattoo and my weight. I’m 5’1 and 140 lbs.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Ideally, for a tummy tuck, the skin just above the pubic hair should be able to approximate the skin just above the belly button with a pinch test.  If this is possible, the skin between these 2 points should be able to be removed.  It appears your tattoo is easily between these 2 points and therefore a tummy tuck should solve your problem, however the pinch test, with your trunk slightly flexed, should be done 1st to confirm sufficient skin laxity.  You may be able to gain some additional laxity of your skin by some modest weight loss prior to your surgery.  You will be trading a tatoo for an incision line which should be better camouflaged with modest clothing.  Best wishes.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

In examination would allow me to better determine how much your skin might stretch and whether you are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty.  In most cases, a tummy tuck would remove most of the tattoo except for a little at each hip.  That could probably be removed at a later date when the skin has loosened.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A tummy tuck is not designed to remove tattoos. It is designed to remove unwanted fat, tighten loose skin and repair abdominal muscle separation. Therefore, the amount of loose skin that can safely be removed would take precedence over the amount of tattoo that can be removed.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

In my opinion, given that the tattoo is located low on the abdomen just below the belly button, a tummy tuck is a valid and effective option. In this location, the tattoo would typically be fully removed with the excess skin, and the final scar would be placed low and easily hidden. This approach addresses both confidence concerns and abdominal contour at the same time.

The key is proper planning to ensure complete removal and a balanced result.

Whenever you’re ready:
Let’s make it better.

Warmly,
Dr. Luis Mejía, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

The key is proper planning to ensure complete removal and a balanced result.

Whenever you’re ready:
Let’s make it better.

Warmly,
Dr. Luis Mejía, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

A standard tummy tuck will remove a large portion of the tattoo, but it is unlikely to remove all. Discuss this with your surgeon during a consultation. He or she can mark out the anticipated tissue resection and provide a good estimate of what would be excised.

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture.  A normal tummy tuck would remove most if not all of that tattoo.  The area that might not be fully removed would be the upper outer corners.  That said, I cannot tell from the picture if you are a candidate for a TT.  That is, do you have enough skin laxity to allow a TT.  Have you had kids or significant weight loss, so the skin is loose?  Be sure to see a Board-Certified PS for your consultation for the best advice and outcome.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. If you are indeed a good candidate for a tummy tuck, and you end up undergoing the procedure, the center of the tattoo will be removed. The tattoo on the each side will most likely stay but moved further down your abdomen.
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A standard tummy tuck would remove the bulk of it, but not all.  The incision for a tummy tuck is similar to a football shape, so the ends of the tattoo on either side would remain.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Could a tummy tuck remove this tattoo? (Photos)

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