How soon after Tummy Tuck can you get tattoo over scar? (photo)

Question

I my long horizontal scar but even mite l more I hate the vertical scar that runs from a little under my belly button down to the horizontal scar. I want this covered asap, i don't wear anything showing my stomach because of this scar and i really hate it. I just don't know how long i have to wait before tattooing.... help please :)

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your surgeon is the best person to answer this question. Your incision should be fully closed and the scar tissue strong enough to handle a tattoo. Scars take about a full year to mature, so I suggest you wait for that amount of time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear EwithTheTwinz,it would be the best to wait for the scar to fully mature before covering it with a tattoo. It an take up to 12-18 months.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry that your current results have not been what you anticipated.  Because scars will continue to mature for up to a year after your procedure I would wait at least that long before a cover up so as not to compromise either the incision or the tattoo.  Hope this helps.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! Even though your tummy tuck scar will gradually fade over time, you may still get a tattoo if you so desire. It's perfectly safe. You just have to wait until the healing process is completed and your swelling is completely gone. That may take 6 to 12 months from the day of surgery.  That may take 6 to 12 months from the day of surgery.  
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!

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo. A safe guideline would be to wait up to 6-12 months before getting the tattoo to insure that all your swelling has gone down and the scar has had time to fully close. Asking the surgeon who performed the surgery would be best because he can examine the scar in person and let you know how he thinks your scar is healing.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  I most commonly recommend waiting at least six months before considering a tattoo of a tummy tuck scar.  However, it is important for the scar to be relatively stable and calm, and I might recommend a particular patient wait longer.  I also urge my patients to research the tattoo artist to make sure that he/she has a lot of experience/positive experience with tattooing surgical scars, as scar tissue be trickier to work with.
Looking at your pictures, it appears that you are somewhat early after surgery? Your physician would be able to best assess your scar's readiness.  Concealer make up might help in the interim, or thin silicone sheeting (providing you can find a good color match).  
As a side note, I have observed that tattoos that meander a little, in and out of the actual scar path, will better camouflage a scar, while actually tattooing across the entire scar often times makes the scar more conspicuous or the tattoo more odd appearing.  
Good luck picking your tattoo once your doctor gives you the OK, and enjoy your tummy tuck!

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You should ask this question of your surgeon as he/she was the one who performed your procedure and is responsible for your care. For my patients, it is individualized but usually I recommend waiting at least 6 months to a year before having a tattoo.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office here at CARE we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend to wait 6-9 months. Your PS will be able to guide you through this.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would give it a good six months or longer depending upon how soft the scar  becomes.  Best to ask your surgeon.

How soon after Tummy Tuck can you get tattoo over scar? (photo)

Answers (15)

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