Will a Tummy Tuck Move my Tattoos?

You have to explain to your surgeon what you would like to happen to your tattoo.  He/she can then predict the outcome on the location of the tattoo and amount of loose skin in the abdominal/hip area.

I'm not sure any of your tattoos need to be sacrificed. Planning of the operation can be modified to a certain extent.

The location of your tattoo and the place where the surgery is performed are important at this point. It would be wrong to say anything about this without consultation. You can get contact with a Board Certified Surgeon to get the information you need.

Thanks for the question - the feathers will be stretched slightly but definitely not removed.  Not sure if the entirety of the lower tattoos will be completely removed.  Best to determine in person.  Best of luck.

It’s not uncommon for patients with redundant abdominal tissue to also have tattoos.  When they request abdominoplasty they are concerned about how this procedure will affect their tattoos.  In many cases they want them removed, while in other cases, they have sentimental value and they want them preserved.
Every patient has unique aesthetic goals and specific anatomic findings which ultimately impact their result.  Tattoos can be affected by abdominoplasty in multiple ways.  They can lie in the field of resection and disappear with surgery or they can be stretched by skin pull during wound closure.
In your case, your lower abdominal tattoos will most likely be resected during surgery, while your upper abdominal tattoos will potentially be stretched when a traditional abdominoplasty is performed.
It’s important that you discuss your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon.  There is the potential for modification of the procedure to help accomplish your specific goals.

If the tattoos are in the area to be resected, (removed), they will be gone, replaced by a scar.  It looks from your photos that the lower ones may me able to be taken out, depending how low the incision is.  Because there will be tension, some streching of the upper tattoos may occur.  Best to speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Tell him/her your goals.  Together, you will be able to decide on a plan.

Your lower tattoos will be most affected and probably removed with the procedure to keep the scar low. The upper tattoos will be least affected but probably slightly stretched.

Your lower tattoos will likely be removed during the tummy tuck and the upper ones will be slightly stretched. You should consult with your surgeon to discuss working around the tattoos and one you hope to keep and ones that cannot be saved.

Hi there-

Without examining you, it is difficult to say confidently what you could expect to happen to your tattoos, but generally speaking if you are having a full tummy tuck you should expect tattoos in the lower abdominal region to be removed, with tattoos higher than your belly button either appearing lower on the belly, or stretched by the increased skin tension after surgery.

I would recommend you review this with your surgeon, who both understands the details of your planned surgery, and has the benefit of having examined you.

Your tattoos are fairly high. During the tummy tuck they will move lower (mid to low abdomen). They will not be completely removed.
Dr. ES