Tummy tuck under boob tattoo - will it look stretched, distorted and bad? (Photo)

Question

I have a tummy tuck booked I have had a word with surgery and he has said it will pull down. But will this look stretched and distorted and bad ? I’m worried it will cover my full belly . Advise please

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Dynamic739517 in Leicester,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about how a tummy tuck might affect your under-boob tattoo. I appreciate the photo you provided and understand your concerns.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is typically made low on the abdomen. The procedure involves dissecting a plane between the fat and the rectus abdominis muscle up to the sternum, plicating (tightening) the rectus abdominis muscle, and then removing excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then repositioned and sutured, with the skin from just above the belly button being stretched down towards the pubic area.
Given this process, it is likely that your tattoo will experience some stretching and distortion. This is because the skin on which the tattoo is inked will be pulled downward during the tummy tuck. In terms of how "bad" the distortion might appear, this is subjective and depends on your personal perception.
Regarding the specific details of your tattoo, the "necklace" portion under the chin of the central skull, which is currently just above your belly button, might be repositioned to align with or near the top of your belly button after the surgery.
Most plastic surgeons would recommend proceeding with the tummy tuck if it is medically advisable and aligns with your goals. Should you find the post-surgery appearance of your tattoo unsatisfactory, options such as laser tattoo removal or tattoo revision could be considered.
I hope this information helps clarify your concerns regarding the potential impact of a tummy tuck on your under-boob tattoo. Wishing you the best with your decision and future procedure.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

With a full tummy tuck, it is common for the skin to be pulled downward. This means that your tattoo will most likely become distorted. Your surgeon can let you know by how much, and then you can determine whether it would look “bad".

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic739517,
tummy tuck should have no effect on your tattoo. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes the tattoo will be stretched and pulled to a lower position during the tummy tuck procedure.  Your surgeon can demonstrate how far down you can expect the tattoo be located. It may not appear distorted but it will be stretched.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The tattoo will stretch and may look distorted.  Your umbilicus will probably be relocated within the tattoo area.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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Answers (8)

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