Should wait to get my tattoo until after my breast reduction and top surgery or should I be fine to get the tattoo now? (Photo)

Top surgery scars vary depending on the type of procedure (chest masculinizing breast reduction, periareolar, double-incision, etc). However, it is generally recommended to wait until after your breast reduction or top surgery before getting a tattoo on or near your chest. This is because the surgery can alter the shape, size, and positioning of your chest skin, which may distort a tattoo placed beforehand. Additionally, scars from surgery can affect the appearance of the tattoo, and healing post-surgery is crucial before getting inked. Typically, it's best to wait at least 6 to 12 months after surgery for your chest to fully heal and stabilize before getting a tattoo.
Furthermore, the tattoo may require touch-ups or adjustments after your surgery. To ensure the best outcome, consult with your surgeon about placement, as they can help guide you in making an informed decision based on your future surgery plans.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Thanks for your question! I would advise waiting. Depending on how low the tattoo goes, it could be affected by surgery. It'll be better to wait and remove the chance of it getting ruined. Good luck!

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to meet with you in person to discuss all your surgical options. I would recommend waiting to get a tattoo in that location until after you get your breast surgery as removing breast tissue could change the tattoo. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself to help you reach your goals and create a surgical plan for you!

Since you are planning to have the reduction surgery it would be best to wait to get your tattoo until after since it is close the surgical area. That way you will know for sure that the tattoo will not be distorted from the surgery.

It's wise to carefully plan the timing of your tattoo if you're considering both breast reduction and/or top surgery in the future, especially if the tattoo will be on or near your chest. Here are some key factors to consider:
Why Waiting Might Be Better:
1. Changes in Skin and Tissue Placement:
o Breast reduction or top surgery will alter the shape, size, and potentially the position of your chest skin. A tattoo placed now might not align properly or could be distorted after surgery.
2. Scar Placement:
o Surgery often results in scars, and their location could impact the appearance of your tattoo. It's better to wait until scars have healed and you can plan the tattoo around or incorporate them if desired.
3. Healing Timeline:
o Your chest will need time to heal post-surgery before you can safely get tattooed. Tattooing on fresh surgical scars or unhealed skin can lead to complications.
If You Want to Get the Tattoo Now:
• Choose a placement that is unlikely to be affected by surgery. For example:
o Areas further away from the breast or chest area, such as the collarbone or upper arm, might remain relatively unchanged.
• Understand that you might need touch-ups or adjustments after your surgery.
General Recommendations:
• If you're planning surgery soon (within the next year or so), it’s best to wait until your chest has healed and stabilized post-surgery (usually 6-12 months after surgery).
• Consult with both your tattoo artist and surgeon. They can give you a better sense of how surgery might affect your chosen placement.
Waiting until after your breast reduction or top surgery is the safest option to ensure the tattoo aligns well with your final chest contour and avoids potential distortion. If the surgery is a long way off or uncertain, carefully discuss placement options to minimize future impact.

Do the surgery first because your anatomy is going to be rearranged and could change the tattoo. Once you have healed, usually at 6 months, then consider the tattoo.

I would suggest waiting until after your breast surgery before proceeding with a tattoo. I would suggest waiting 6 months after surgery to allow time for swelling to subside and healing to complete as well.

As for a reduction versus a mastectomy this is really hard to advise. It really has to be you who decides which operation, removing the breast, or making it smaller is best for you. There really is no good answer it just depends on how you feel.

It's best to wait until after your breast reduction or top surgery to get a tattoo on your chest. Surgery can alter or distort tattoos due to skin removal, reshaping, and scarring. By waiting, you'll ensure the tattoo is placed optimally on your post-surgery anatomy, avoiding potential distortion and allowing you to incorporate or work around any scars.

I’m not a fan of getting tattoos so personally I don’t see the hurry with getting one.
I suggest you consult with the surgeon who’s going to do your breast surgery so you have a better understanding.
Considering the permanent nature of tattoos, I would generally steer towards the conservative.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD