If I get a tattoo to cover my breast implant scar, will my surgeon be able to reuse this scar to replace implants in the future?

Question

Hello! No matter what I've tried, I can't get my breast implant scars to not be red. They only look barely noticeable if I rub them. They make me self conscious and I want to get a tattoo to either cover them or border them so they are less noticeable. Will my surgeon be able to still use this scar in the future to replace? If not, can I border the scar with a tattoo (right up to the scar not over it) and he be able to use this scar again? Thank you!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Before you get a tattoo, talk to your surgeon about an IPL treatment.  Very helpful for reducing redness in scars.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

Tattooing over a scar will not be a problem for any future surgery using the same incision. You can go ahead and get a tattoo done with no problem.

Mike E. Gonce, MD · Answer

Great question! It does take time for pigment in a scar to fade, sometimes a full year or longer. Tanning/sun exposure can lead to permanent darkening of the scar so it is important to protect the scar at least for the first year as it matures.  With that said, if it has been a year or more, you could get a tattoo at your discretion, and any future incisions can be made there, but it could distort the tattoo or potentially remove some of it.
Best Wishes!

If I get a tattoo to cover my breast implant scar, will my surgeon be able to reuse this scar to replace implants in the future?

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If I get a tattoo to cover my breast implant scar, will my surgeon be able to reuse this scar to replace implants in the future?

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