Tattoo removal after tummy tuck
If you are going to have a tummy tuck anyhow for contouring of the abdomen, I would have that done first and wait a few months to see how everything looks.
There is a high likelihood that a significant amount of your tattoo would simply be removed with the tummy tuck, making laser of that much of the tattoo unnecessary, and what remains might be small enough and low enough below the bikini line that it isn’t a problem for you.
If it is, then you can have laser tattoo removal on that reduced portion of the tattoo after the skin heals at about 3 months postop. (Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Best Option Is To Have Abdominoplasty Followed By Laser Treatments To Remove Any Residual Tattoo
In your situation, the best option is abdominoplasty followed by laser treatments to remove any residual tattoo. The vast majority of your tattoo would be removed by an abdominoplasty.
It would be pointless to perform laser tattoo removal on tissue that would be resected during this procedure. This approach has the added advantages of significant cost savings by avoiding unnecessary laser treatments. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Laser tattoo removal takes multiple treatments
Yes, but keep in mind that laser tattoo removal does require multiple treatments, as much as ten or more, once per month or six weeks apart, so this could delay your Tummy Tuck. (Ronald Shelton, MD, Manhattan Dermatologist)
Your tattoo can be removed with a modified tummy tuck.
Tattoo can be removed with a tummy tuck. In order to do that, the tummy tuck scar would probably have to be placed HIGHER than normal. A higher scar does not look as good. But for you, this is the best compromise, because laser tattoo removal does not work that well. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Tattoo removal before tummy tuck? That is backward!
You should have the tummy tuck first! Most, and if you are lucky, all of the tattoo will be removed with the tummy tuck. I would therefore recommend that you have the tummy tuck first, and then, after you are healed, and after you check with your surgeon, proceed with any laser tattoo removal that is needed. (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)