Will Lower Body Lift Remove Some of my Tattoo?

Question

I have a full back tattoo that goes down to the crack of my butt and I was wondering if I would loose some of my tattoo if I had a Lower body lift. I am pretty thin, I just want the lift to tighten up skin and reduce cellulite. I don't have severe loose skin like someone who lost 100 + pounds.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Annisa,
	This is a difficult question to answer without examining you in person.  Typically, when I perform a 360 body lift, I do not remove much skin over the buttock crease.  However, as I extend the incision toward to the hips, more skin and fat is removed.  The more excessive the skin, the more that is removed. I would guess, if you had a 360 body lift, the portion of your tattoo closest to your hips would be removed slightly and the portion of your tattoo over the buttock crease would be unchanged.  I do not believe that your tattoo would be pulled down because the vector for the 360 body lift pulls the buttock upwards, not really downwards.  Good luck on your weight loss journey. 
	SIncerely, Dr. Katzen

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

The fate of your tattoo really depends on the exact placement of it, and where you want your scar to end up. Based on what you've written, it sounds like i would elect to remove part of it because the scar (that I typically would create) runs right through that area. On the other hand, if you chose to have a scar that was higher along the waistline (above the panty line) then you might be able to keep the tattoo. Again, I have NEVER done this because scars should be hidden by typical bathing suits and undergarments, but it is an option if you wished.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When patients undergo lower body lift surgery, significant amounts of skin are often removed from the back. When tattoos are located in this area, they are often removed. It's virtually impossible in your particular case, to know if your tattoo would be removed without pictures. For this reason, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who can make this determination.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are indeed a candidate for lower body lift, the incision runs from the tip if the gluteal crease along what would be a thong or g-string panty line, communicating with the same bikini-line scar from the front tummy tuck portion of the beltlift. Depending on the lowest extent of your tattoo at the buttock crease and upper buttock-hip areas, it may end up being partially included in the excised skin. If so, the tattoo can always be re-inked after complete healing!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it does sound like your tattoo would be affected somewhat.  In the design of the body lift, typically more skin is excised in the zone over the middle portion of the buttock, and somewhat less in the midline of your back.  The amount of tattoo removal would, of course, correspond with the amount of skin removal.  You could re-ink the missing portion of your art at a later date, though. 

	 

	All the best!

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
I think that while it is possible an incision could be designed that would allow a minimal change to your tattoo, maximum improvement in your body contour would most likely result in excision of some of the tattoo.
The only way to know for sure would be to examine you- find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and visit for a consultation.
Need some help finding one you like and can trust? Read this:

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

A body lift is a huge operation--why would you put yourself through this procedure if you don't have a substantial amount of loose skin around your abdomen, flank and buttocks?
If its just your sagging buttocks that bothers you, consider other options such as a buttocks lift combined with fat transfer improve the volume of your buttocks.
To answer your question--a full body lift will place a scar through the lowest part of your tattoo- if your tattoo approaches the junction between your back and buttocks. It probably won't remove a substantial amount of your tattoo.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

The incison for an LBL typically goes where a bikini would be. So if a bikini ot thong covers your tatto, there could be some removal of it.
Also, my LBL incisions are lower if we are primarily going for a buttock lift, and then a bit higher of we are trying to mainly correct back rolls.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

A LBL is not for tattoo removal.  It is to treat excess loose skin.  This procedure is essentially 3 procedures in one: extended tummy tuck + waist/lateral thigh lift + buttock lift.  The buttock lift can also include buttock augmentation.  The lateral thigh lift will help contour the lateral aspect of your thighs.  The procedure can taken between 5-7 hours depending on the amount of tissue/skin that needs removal/treatment.  

	Dr. Sugene Kim

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Without examining you and the exact placement of your tattoo, it's difficult to say but from what you are describing, it sounds like your tattoo may be affected by the lower body lift.

	Your plastic surgeon should be able to draw things out and show you how much he/she thinks would be affected.

	Best Wishes!