Will my tummy tuck ruin my tattoo? (Photo)

Thanks for posting such an interesting question!There are varying skin designs that can be used when planning a tummy tuck, so it should be possible to avoid the scar going into the tattoo and removing part of it.However, there may be some distortion of the tattoo due to the new and different tensions on the skin. Also, in the ideal scenario the skin pattern design should not be compromised for an individual, but there may need to be some compromise in your situation, which might lead to a result that is not quite as good as it otherwise might have been.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Dear Madam,   Thanks for submitting your picture. You are a great candidate for the tummy tuck procedure and you should have a spectacular result: flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, narrow waists , improved posture and most likely you will lose significant amount of weight due to the muscles tightening , that will reduce the amount of food that you eat and the sense of hunger. And , yes, you will lose part of your tattoo, in order to give you optimal result.  It is well worth compromise . You can take a picture of the tattoo before surgery and after surgery (2-3 months later)  you can re tattoo by the same artist or a new one.  I hope that you did your due diligence in selecting your surgeon, because not all results are the same. Experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for a good outcome.   Always consults with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive. Pay special attention to the stomach flatness,  the nice umbilicus and the low position of the scar.                             Best of luck,                                                  Dr Widder

The classic incision used will most likely encroach upon your existing tattoo. However, your surgeon may be able to modify the incision, curving it higher, or using a vertical incision in the midline to minimize this risk. However, all of these things can make your scar more visible or compromise the  result.I recommended you see your surgeon prior to the procedure to go over this specifically. The types of decisions are not best left until the morning of surgery.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Looking at the tattoo placement and the amount of laxity that you have in the photo, your tattoo will likely be affected from a full abdominoplasty.  I think trying to limit the incision to salvage your tattoo will lead to less than optimized result.  Your best bet is to allow the surgeon to plan the abdominoplasty incision as if the tattoo were not there and then touching up your tattoo after the scar has healed.

I appreciate your question.



It is possible that your tattoo could be affected during your tummy tuck.  I would recommend discussing with your surgeon how important it is to you,  as there are different tummy tuck techniques he/she could use.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

Thank you for your question. Based on the photo provided, it appears the anterior portion of the tattoo may be excised as part of the procedure. Please discuss this concern with your plastic surgeon so that he/she can discuss the pros/cons with you regarding extending the incision near the tattoo.  Hope this helps and good luck! 

A very artistic board certified plastic surgeon can work around some but not all the tattoo. A touch up will be needed, and it's best if it's planned See one who has done a ton of tummy tucks and can draw the path of the loss, both on you directly and on paper. Do not hesitate to ask: how many tummy tucks have you done last year, and how many of them had tattoos that were meaningful to them. Don't settle for vague answers. And good luck.

Hello dear, thanks for your post and provided picture as well. I believe your tattoo can be lose a bit because is in your side. Visit a
board certified plastic surgeon for a physical evaluation. Good luck :)

Looking at your photo It appears that it would not be altered by your surgery, however if this is very important you need to discussexactly what to expect with your surgeon prior to surgery, not after.Best of luck to you

Given the location of the tattoo it may be involved in the most lateral aspect of the incision. Your physician should have discussed how it may be altered as a result of the surgery but if it was not raised in discussion I would notify the surgeon of your wishes and the markings may be able to be adjusted to preserve it.Best of luck!