Tattoos are a great way to express yourself, but they can’t be done immediately after a tummy tuck. If you’re considering getting a tattoo, make sure you wait at least six weeks after surgery. This will give your body time to heal and recover from any swelling or bruising that might occur as a result of the procedure.
And if you’ve already gotten your tattoo and want to know whether or not it’s okay to get a tummy tuck? We’ve got some good news: It is! In fact, we’d recommend getting one because it will help tighten up loose skin that may have resulted from your previous procedure.
Read on to learn more about How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can I Get A Tattoo, What Affects the Cost of a Tummy Tuck and What Are The Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck.
Tummy Tuck Tattoo Cover Up
Some people can’t resist the urge for fresh ink after a tummy tuck. Whether it’s to cover the scar or simply adorn your new, leaner contours, getting a stomach tattoo after a tummy tuck can be safe as long as the right steps are taken.
Play The Waiting Game
How and when you should proceed with a post-tummy tuck tattoo will depend on what part of the stomach you’re planning to get it. A tattoo is an intricate illustration and the skin is its canvas, so it makes sense to wait until the post-surgical swelling and bruising has resolved before moving forward with your permanent design. If you get a scar tattoo cover-up too soon, the shape may end up distorted as stomach swelling subsides and skin contracts.
The degree of post-surgical swelling can be affected by a number of factors:
- Extent of procedure
- If liposuction was included
- Salt content in diet
Recovery timelines after a tummy tuck vary from person to person, but in general, it’s best to hold off on belly tattoos until 6 to 9 months after a tummy tuck.
Scar Tattoos
In order to make the tummy tuck scar less noticeable, surgeons typically place it just above the pubic area. Some people are interested in getting a tattoo over their scar, and this is certainly an option. However, it’s of critical importance that the scar has completely healed before getting a tattoo.
Scars typically take a year to mature and fade. During that time, the scar’s appearance will change significantly. The temptation to mask the scar or distract from it with a tattoo is understandable, but you need to give your scar the time it requires to fully heal first.
Best Tummy Tuck Cover up Tattoos Cost
Many factors come into play when determining the cost of a tummy tuck.
The extent of the procedure. In some cases, all that is involved in a tummy tuck is tightening the loose, sagging skin below the navel. However, the process is customizable to meet your needs and preferences. Depending on how much work the surgeon has to do, the procedure can either be a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck that only addresses the loose skin may cost between $4,000 and $5,000. A traditional tummy tuck may cost between $8,000 and $10,000, while an extended tummy job may be worth up to $20,000.
The size of the area. If the procedure only entails tightening loose skin and eliminating fat from the lower abdomen, the cost will be relatively low. However, when you need a full tummy tuck, the procedure’s scope calls for more expenses. This is because it involves both the upper and lower abdomen. Extended tummy tucks are also more expensive because they involve the front side, back, and sides.
The volume of fat removed. The extent of the procedure can be fat removal, muscle tightening, skin lifting and tightening, and muscle reshaping or repairing. The more services you get during the process, the higher the cost will be.
The type of anesthesia used. The type and dosage of anesthesia you receive during a tummy tuck is another significant factor that affects the procedure’s cost. If you require a larger dose of anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery, the price will be higher.
General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. The reason for this is that with local anesthesia, you may also have to take a sedative to help you sleep through the procedure, hence a lower dose. The cost of general anesthesia is between $425 and $1,800, while that of local anesthesia is between $500 and $3,500.
The number of procedures to be performed. In some cases, lifting and tightening your stomach skin is not enough to help you achieve your ideal aesthetic level. As such, you may be a good candidate for an extra procedure. Doing so will help to contour your body by removing excess fat. Liposuction is usually an ideal complementary procedure to tummy tuck as it draws more fat than a tummy tuck.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Before you go in for a tummy tuck, your doctor may schedule you for a blood panel to ensure you’re in good health. You will also be required to:
- Stop smoking
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal supplements that can make bleeding worse or hinder clotting.
Tummy Tuck Tattoos Benefits
Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular and effective cosmetic surgery options available and can provide numerous advantages for both women and men who are trying to achieve a flatter, more fit-looking abdomen. The potential benefits of tummy tuck surgery include:
- Tightening of abdominal muscles
- Reparation of torn abdominal muscles or diastasis repair
- Removal of excess abdominal skin
- Tightening of remaining skin for a smoother, flatter appearance in the abdomen
- Removal of excess fat pockets
- Abdominal rejuvenation after significant weight loss or pregnancy
- Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks
Who is a candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Both men and women who desire improvement in the shape and appearance of their abdomen as well as their love handles are typically good candidates for this procedure. Men and women who have lost weight through bariatric surgery and have excess skin are also excellent candidates, and this can be an ideal procedure to include in a comprehensive Mommy Makeover for women who are looking to restore their bodies after pregnancy. It’s important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not designed to be a tool for weight loss; candidates for this treatment are usually at or near the ideal weight for their bodies. Patients must also be in reasonably good overall health and have realistic expectations for the final result.
During your initial consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will evaluate your needs and goals and determine whether you are a candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
