Can I Get a Tattoo Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Question

Can I get a tattoo before tummy tuck surgery? It's on my wrist I get surgery Wednesday and it's Sunday it's a small wrist tattoo.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Normally, it's probably not a good idea to get any kind of skin treatment, including tattoos, right before surgery. This is because these treatments compromise the quality of your skin, essentially "damaging" it and making it more sensitive—and your skin (and body) should be in its best state so that it can recover better from your surgery. Being in a better state also decreases the risk of complications that could occur, such as infection. Having said that, however, if it's on your wrist and it's small, then it might be okay. But keep in mind that your surgery may be postponed if you suffer from a complication related to getting the tattoo. The best thing you should do is to ask your surgeon about this. Best of luck!

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. While your tattoo will not be affected by the procedure, I'd recommend waiting after the procedure to get it. There's always a small risk of infection or skin irritation that would adversely affect your 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!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you were my patient, I would ask that you wait on getting the tattoo because there is a risk of getting an infection and if that happens, your tummy tuck surgery would need to be postponed. 

	Best Wishes!

Ramon Navarro, MD · Answer

It is not sage to do any kind of tattoo but I respect to everybody opinion, it may be transmitted an infection by this tattoo. Dr. Navarro

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

You should be able to get a tattoo on your wrist before tummy tuck surgery.  However, if you develop an infection from the tattoo, it may delay your your surgery.  Thus, you may wish to wait on the tattoo until after you recover from your surgery.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Both tatoos and tummy tucks are decisions with long term implications, hopefully good implications. If you have decided to have a tummy tiuck, focus on that and wait a while on the tatoo. Make sure your decision is not impulse driven. You can get it later if it still feels right.

Can I Get a Tattoo Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answers (6)

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