Will a breast augmentation distort my sternum/underboob tattoo? (Photo)

Dear chaotic_quixotic,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your photo, it is likely that your tattoo will not distort. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Thank you for asking. As many more patients have body art near the breast margins, a few patients could have mild tattoo distortions depending on the proximity to the incision, size of the implant, and specific nature of the breast. Many patients with extensive tattoos don’t show much distortion at all. Your tattoos seem to be away from the breast footprint and should not see much change. See a board certified plastic surgeon in person who can properly evaluate you! Best wishes!

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well .. based on your photos and questions, I see that you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation, to determine the cc the ideal is to be consulted in person by a certified plastic surgeon who sees and determine the cc necessary to obtain a good result.its not going distort

Based on your picture your tattoo should be fine after the augmentation, an in-person consultation would be best for a detailed exam.Always see a board certified PS.

When implants are placed, there is stretching of the distance from nipple to fold. Going from an A cup to a full D cup is a big change, and sometimes this not possible if the skin envelope is too tight. I would NOT recommend lowering your breast fold in order to accomodate a larger size, because it can result in a double bubble deformity if the implant then slides down past the breast tissue, not to mention it lowers where your breasts sit overall. Leaving your fold as is, and placing as close to your goal size as possible, is a better idea, and would not affect your tattoo. Implant also do not distort your sternum, but do fill the breasts, and the horns on the tattoo may sit differently since this area may not be as flat after implants.

What your friend is likely referring to is lowering the folds underneath your breasts. This is sometimes done in patients who have a tight, high fold. However, this may not be necessary and it can lead to complications such as implant malposition/"bottoming out" or a double bubble. You would need to be seen by a plastic surgeon with measurements taken and a decision on breast implant size would need to be made prior to a discussion on whether or not it is beneficial to lower the fold. That being said, even if the fold was lowered there likely would not be a significant distortion of the tattoos. You can take a look at my photos to see some examples of women with chest tattoos before and after breast augmentation. 

Thank you for your question and for attaching a photo. Your tattoo should be just fine. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon who is also an ASAPS member in your area for a consultation to discuss your options in greater detail. You do not want to lower your IMF which is what your friend is suggesting. The IMF is a natural anatomic area that you do not want to destroy. You should be able to get a really nice look with a breast augmentation using an IMF incision and choosing an implant that is appropriate for your body. Your surgeon can help you do this by choosing an implant that fits your BWD. Best of luck.

In all honesty, distortion of your tattoo should be the least of your concerns.  If you choose a good size and go with an experienced Plastic Surgeon, they should be able to help you achieve a very nice natural result.  And unless you go ridiculously large, the tattoo should be just fine.I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Based on the location of your tattoo, it won't be distorted at all. However the larger you go, the more skin may stretch around the tattoo causing the tattoo to widen over time. However even if it does, it should be very minimal.

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  This can be designed so that your tattoo will not be distorted.   The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon