Distortion
Your tattoo will not be removed. However, it will be elongated in the vertical direction, but not in the horizontal direction.
The result will be a slight distortion. However, I do not think it will be too objectionalbe. (John J. Bandeian, MD, Bristol Plastic Surgeon)
Might be stretched a bit. But only your chosen surgeon can discuss with you. Otherwise consider after healing touch up tattooing. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
The tattoo will not be removed but I believe the lower portion will be stretched and pulled down an inch, perhaps more. Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. (Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Tattoo after Abdominoplasty
Depending on the technique that your surgeon will be using, and how much skin they are planning to remove, the tattoo could float down your abdomen a small amount when they pull the skin downwards to make it tight. I wouldn’t expect a significant change though. (Richard A. Bartlett, MD, Brookline Plastic Surgeon)
Your tattoo will be unaffected. After stretching and re-draping of the abdominal skin, I would anticipate the umbilicus would be located below the legs of your tattoo so it should still be in the “upper abdomen” and unaffected.
The stretching of the upper abdominal skin will stretch your tattoo some, but I do not think it will distort the tattoo dramatically. Please update us after you have your tummy tuck, thanks for sharing. (Joel Patrick Maier, MD, Cincinnati Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck : Tattoo
I don’t believe it will change your tattoo at all. The area removed by a tummy tuck is down low and not where your tattoo is located. The skin of the upper abdominal area, where the tattoo is located, is stretched out to give a flatter stomach. The area is part of the surgery, but it still shouldn’t be changed.
Interestingly, tattoos can be used to cover up poor tummy tuck scars. We hope this is not your case, and I’m sure all will be well. But in the case of a wide scar, tattoos can really cover them up. I think it will be fine. (Christopher Saunders, MD, West Chester Plastic Surgeon)
Upper abdominal tattoo probably not affected by abdominoplasty.
The tattoo in the photograph is above any of the skin that would be amputated by conventional abdominoplasty. It should not be appreciably affected. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)