How soon after a tattoo can you have surgery?

Author: Mr. Paul Quigley PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

The body's healing process depends on adequate blood supply, and additional stress on the circulatory system may hinder healing. Waiting six weeks before and after surgery allows the body to prioritise healing without interference from new tattoo wounds.

Can I have surgery with a new tattoo?

It depends on the type of surgery. Generally speaking, you should avoid getting a new tattoo within 4 weeks before any surgery - whether it's elective or not. The reason for this is that tattoos involve breaking the skin and inserting ink into the dermis (the layer of skin below the epidermis).

How long can I have a tattoo before surgery?

It depends on the type of surgery. Generally speaking, you should avoid getting a new tattoo within 4 weeks before any surgery - whether it's elective or not. The reason for this is that tattoos involve breaking the skin and inserting ink into the dermis (the layer of skin below the epidermis).

Do tattoos interfere with surgery?

Tattoos can interfere with surgical planning in many ways, so surgeons need to be adaptable. According to a 2009 study, 79% of surgeons encountered tattoos at proposed incision sites with 61% preferring to relocate the incision site in order to preserve the tattoo.

How long after a tattoo can you start removal?

Thank you for your question. It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks after a new tattoo before having it removed as this allows time for your body to heal. It typically takes 6-10 sessions to remove a tattoo and the average cost to remove a small size tattoo is $100-$250 per session.

Plastic Surgery Truths - How long after surgery can you get tattoos?

What is the average cost to remove a tattoo?

The national average cost* of tattoo removal is $353 but can range between $272 and $659. The cost can vary based on variables such as: Size of the tattoo. Depth of the ink.

How soon after a tattoo can I get laser removal?

We hope to achieve great results for you, which is why we ask patients to wait six weeks before laser treating a fresh tattoo. We do not want to increase your risk of scarring or harm your skin unnecessarily. Other complications from getting treatment too early include excessive blistering and skin discoloration.

Do tattoos affect medical procedures?

Medical data shows that about 5% of people who get a tattoo develop an infection, and up to 10% experience short-term complications. You're correct that tattoos have been known to interfere with certain types of medical scans, such as an MRI.

Can you go under anesthesia when getting a tattoo?

Many people who want to have a tattoo, such as a full back piece, know well that this involves several multi-hour tattooing sessions. In such cases, during a 4-5 hour session under complete anesthesia, a full back tattoo can be completed.

Can I get a tattoo before top surgery?

Think twice before scheduling a tattoo appointment if you are considering plastic surgery in the near future, as fresh ink provides an opportunity for infection and potential complications that can undermine your experience and results.

How soon should I tattoo after surgery?

During the first period after your surgery, you will not be able to get a tattoo despite longing commitment to it. Generally speaking, you will have to wait for a minimum of 2 months after your recovery period to start consider getting a tattoo (after the recovery, scars usually have not healed properly yet).

What should you not do before surgery?

Refrain from smoking cigarettes, using tobacco products or drinking alcohol for 12 hours prior to surgery. Have a light meal for dinner (easily digestible). DO NOT eat any food, chew any gum, or drink any liquids after MIDNIGHT, the night before your surgery, unless advised otherwise by your anesthesia provider.

Why do they ask if you have tattoos before MRI?

“It's the potential for metallic components in some tattoo pigments that cause the reaction during MRIs.” “It's basic physics,” explains Dr. Lim. “The MRI machine changes magnetic fields and causes an electric current to develop into any type of metal.

Can I get a tattoo a week before surgery?

In fact, having a tattoo in the weeks before or after your Surgery significantly increases your risk of infection and can impact on your healing and recovery after Surgery. For these reasons, CosMediTour encourage their Clients to avoid getting tattoos for six weeks before and after surgery.

What should you never do with a healing tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  • Scratching.
  • Picking at scabs.
  • Exfoliating the area.
  • Using petroleum jelly.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing.
  • Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

How soon after surgery can I tattoo the scar?

Wait for Full Healing

Patience is critical—ensure your scar has fully matured (12-18 months) before tattooing. Rushing the process can compromise both the tattoo and your scar's healing.

Can surgery mess up a tattoo?

During plastic surgery, particularly procedures like a tummy tuck or skin removal, incisions are made in the skin. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring post-surgery. However, these incisions can inadvertently affect any tattoos that overlap with or are near the surgical site.

How long to wait for MRI after tattoo?

Tattoos: If the tattoo is in the area of interest and is less than six weeks old, reschedule the patient. Ice packs or padding should be used against any tattoo that is in contact with the bore of the scanner or the MRI coil.

How much does it cost to be put under anesthesia for a tattoo?

Anesthesia tattoos aren't cheap. For instance, a back tattoo while under general anesthesia, Lacoste says, tends to cost between $30,000 to $35,000, depending on the design.

How long does it take for tattoo ink to leave your system?

It usually takes about 6 – 12 weeks for the body to finish getting rid of these loosened ink particles.

Is there metal in tattoo ink?

Tattoo inks may have high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic (As), hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb) and barium (Ba).

Do hospitals care if you have tattoos?

Thus, policies on tattoos and piercings vary by health institution. Most hospitals allow inoffensive tattoos to be exposed, but others require tattoos to be covered. Policies on appearance, note the CMAJ authors, also address jewelry, hair color, facial hair, and so forth.

How long do you have to wait to get a tattoo after surgery?

The body's healing process depends on adequate blood supply, and additional stress on the circulatory system may hinder healing. Waiting six weeks before and after surgery allows the body to prioritise healing without interference from new tattoo wounds.

How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?

The average cost of laser tattoo removal in North Hollywood ranges from $110 to $600 per session, depending on the size. Meanwhile, erasing a massive tattoo can cost you as much as $4,000+ for the entire treatment. In terms of pricing, medical spas have different approaches.

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