Can I Get Lipo with my Stomach Tattoos? (Photos)

Question

Could I still e a candidate for stomach lipo despite my stomach tattoos, or would they become extremely warped? I have a pouch of fat on my left side that doesn't go away with diet nd exercise, it makes my stomach appear uneven because the skin on right side of abdomen is stretched tight due to corrective surgery from gastroschesis as a baby. Currently 5 '2 110 pounds, pouch does not go away even at 89lbs.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Liposuction can sometimes be done in an area with tattoos, but it can change the way the tattoo looks if the skin contour, fat thickness, or skin tension changes. The tattoo itself is not usually the main reason to avoid lipo; the bigger issue is whether the uneven area is truly removable fat versus scar tissue, tight skin, or deeper abdominal-wall anatomy.
Your photos show that the tattoo crosses the area you are concerned about, so some distortion is possible and should be discussed before surgery. Because you had corrective surgery for gastroschisis and describe one side as tight, I would want a careful in-person exam before recommending anything. Limited, conservative liposuction may help a small fat pocket, but aggressive lipo could worsen unevenness or skin irregularity. A surgeon may also want to check for scar tissue or a hernia before planning treatment.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear hcrouse,
   From what I can see,  you just have a small excess and localized area of fat.  I see no reason that cannot be removed with liposuction, using local tumescent anesthesia.  No effect on the tattoo should be noted by flattening that area, and the access incision would be hidden, if you agree, within a tattoo border.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hcrouse,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

It is completely understandable that you feel frustrated by a persistent area of fat that hasn’t budged despite your incredible dedication to fitness and reaching such a lean weight. Given your history of gastroschisis surgery, that "pouch" is likely a result of how your tissues healed and moved during your initial recovery as an infant, creating an asymmetry that diet alone cannot resolve. The good news is that you can certainly be a candidate for liposuction even with your stomach tattoos; because liposuction removes volume from beneath the skin without cutting the skin away, the ink usually settles slightly closer together rather than becoming "warped," often looking even more defined once the underlying contour is smoothed. We would just need to be very precise with the cannula placement to respect your previous surgical scarring while balancing out that left side. I would love to see you in person to feel the tissue and ensure we can give you the symmetrical result you're looking for while keeping your artwork looking sharp.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello hcrouse in Waterloo, ON, Thank you for your question about whether you can get lipo with your stomach tattoos. Thank you for your history and photos. Yes, you can have lipo on your abdomen even with your abdominal tattoos. Liposuction removes fat and is an excellent tool for patients with isolated pockets of fat. Your abdominal tattoos should not become warped. However, you must consider your goals. Indentations and irregularities due to soft-tissue damage caused by gastroschisis may not be correctable with liposuction. You mentioned yourself that even when you weigh 89 pounds, the "pouch does not go away." This fact could possibly mean that the abdominal wall and intra-peritoneal structures may have been permanently damaged by your gastroschisis. Good luck with your abdominal lipo. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations. Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS. (Plastic Surgeon; President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons; certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery; and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction should not adversely effect your stomach tattoos.  However, you mayor may not end up having loose skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You appear to be a candidate for liposuction which would address the excess subcutaneous fat that concerns you.  While the risk of contour abnormalities which could affect your abdominal tattoos cannot be eliminated, it appears the risk would be low based on the photos.  Be sure to visit an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Can I Get Lipo with my Stomach Tattoos? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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