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)

Question

So I am planning on getting a new tattoo in the next couple of months and I want to get it on my chest but I am wondering if I should wait until after I get a breast reduction and or top surgery I am planning on getting at some point in the future I did take a photo as you can see of where I want the tattoo it is about the space my hand is covering and also about the size of my hand possible a little bigger I am also looking into both breast reduction and top surgery so what do you say is best.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

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

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

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!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

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!

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

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.

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)

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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)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast surgery

Answer: Breast surgery

Answer: Tattoo before breast surgery

Answer: Tattoo before breast surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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