Would getting a tummy tuck mess up my tattoo? (photos)

Question

It's on my left side all the way down.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

From your photo it seems as though your tattoo would move down and you may loose some of the bottom of it. You would need to be examined in person.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Your tattoo is in an area that will not be in the area of skin removal from the tummy tuck.  There may be some mild distortion from the skin removal, but it will look similar to how it does now.  Best wishes for your surgery!

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will likely not remove any part of a rib cage tattoo, but it may stretch the bottom part of it forward a little. If you really want the tummy tuck, I don't think your tattoo should prevent you from doing it.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Based on your photo- I do not believe that you tattoo will be partially removed-- it might only stretch forward.Seek an in person consultation with an experienced Board Certified PS.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A full Tummy Tuck may distort it forward a bit, but best to ask your plastic surgeon as he can actually examine you and give you a better estimate. Good luck and happy healing.Best wishes,Gary Horndeski M.D.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

I agree with the other physicians who answered this question.  The tattoo is far enough on the side that a standard tummy tuck scar should not affect it.  If you request an extended tummy tuck to remove skin from the love handle area, then part of the lower tattoo may have to be removed.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Your tattoo is located at the very outer border of where a tummy tuck scar usually ends.  I doubt that the tattoo would be affected but it would be difficult to tell without an examination to see where the skin pulls at that point.  Worst case scenario, it might distort the tattoo a little bit or, if the scar actually extended into the tattoo itself, you might have to get a little touch-up to the tattoo later.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Because of the location of your tattoo, I think it would not be bothered at all.Probably just stretch it down a bit. Dr. Cardenas

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is rather difficult to fully evaluate your situation without an in-person exam. The answer will ultimately depend on the location of your tattoo as well as the amount of fat and skin to be addressed by the procedure. In some cases, your tattoo can be stretched or pulled down.  Remember that an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and guarantee a reliable medical advice. Best of luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very hard to say in the presented one posted photo. Best to seek ONLY IN PERSON opinions......./////

Would getting a tummy tuck mess up my tattoo? (photos)

Answers (17)

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