Why do surgeons ask about tattoos?

Author: Murphy Moen  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Before surgery, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss the procedure with you, including how the incisions may impact any existing tattoos. This consultation allows you to have a clear understanding of what the final result will look like, ensuring that you are fully informed and confident in your decision.

Why do they ask you if you have tattoos before surgery?

Both tattoos and surgery involve breaking the skin, elevating the risk of infection. A recent tattoo may introduce bacteria during surgery, and if your body is already combating an infection from the tattoo, its ability to address post-surgery infections may be compromised.

Do surgeons try to avoid tattoos?

Most surgeons don't care. Older or more conservative surgeons and some patients might discriminate, but just make sure you get tattoos in a location where you can cover with scrubs and / or white coat and you should be fine.

Why do hospitals ask if you have tattoos?

Doctors ask for tattoos as tattoos are known to transmit certain viruses like HIV, HBSAg Etc. And this happens when the tattoo artist doesn't use sterile needles for the procedure.

Can you be a surgeon with tattoos?

Yes, doctors and surgeons with tattoos, including sleeves and larger pieces, do exist. The acceptance of tattoos in the medical profession has been gradually increasing, especially among younger practitioners.

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Do tattoos complicate surgery?

In most cases, plastic surgery involves cutting and opening up the skin. If you have an existing tattoo on the affected area, it will complicate things. Tattoos usually cause inflammation and swelling in the area they are found. They can also make it hard for you to recover correctly after plastic surgery.

What do doctors think of tattoos?

Surprisingly (or not), about 40% of physicians surveyed in the British Medical Journal do not approve of tattoos on their colleagues… basically feeling it is the equivalent of professional appearance malpractice. Of the 60% that say it's okay, many of them say the ink should be covered while on the job.

Can doctors have tattoos that are hidden?

Many institutions are increasingly accepting of physicians with tattoos, although visible tattoos on the neck or face might still be discouraged. The key consideration is to ensure that tattoos do not disrupt the patient-doctor relationship or compromise patient comfort and trust.

Why should tattoos be avoided in healthcare?

Visible tattoos can sometimes challenge traditional norms of professionalism, and it is essential for nurses to consider how these might be perceived by patients and colleagues. Body art that is deemed offensive or inappropriate can undermine the nurse's ability to establish trust and rapport with patients.

Do tattoos affect any medical procedures?

Rarely, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam may trigger burning pain in the tattooed area. Sometimes, tattoos can lower the quality of an MRI image.

What jobs can you not have tattoos for?

Here's a short list of some of the most common employers that either don't allow tattoos or ask you to cover them up at work:
  • Healthcare Professionals. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

Can surgeons listen to music while operating?

We usually give the patient the choice of music they want to hear, especially if they are in twilight sedation. Otherwise, we usually listen to Top 40. Yes, I do listen to music. I have a wide range, from classic rock to classical!

Can I get a tattoo before a knee surgery?

Avoid getting any kind of tattoo (including eyebrow microblading) within 2 weeks prior to surgery to reduce the risk of pre-operative infection.

Can I have hair extensions during surgery?

» Do not wear hair extensions. » Do not wear wigs or hairpieces. These products create a risk of fire during surgery. Your surgery may be canceled if you arrive with hair products.

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.

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.

Why you shouldn't get a tattoo?

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

Why do they ask if you have tattoos before surgery?

Infection can occur after tattoos and even the most well-done and safe of plastic surgery procedures. If there is any chance one procedure will affect the other, your cosmetic surgeon will guide you to the best (and safest) direction.

Will antibiotics ruin a tattoo?

It is not advisable to get tattooed while taking antibiotics. Since antibiotics are designed to combat infections, your immune system may already be compromised, increasing the risk of complications for your tattoo.

Is there anywhere on the body that Cannot be tattooed?

No one can be tattooed within an inch of their eye socket.

Can you donate blood with tattoos?

Most people with tattoos can donate blood as long as they don't have risk factors that prohibit or limit blood donation, and if they got a tattoo at a state regulated facility. In the U.S. you have to wait 3 months to donate if the tattoo was from a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.

Why can't nurses show tattoos?

Some healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and clinics with more conservative dress codes, may have policies requiring nurses to cover visible tattoos, especially those on the hands, neck, or face. They usually do this to maintain a professional appearance and avoid distractions and potential patient discomfort.

Is black tattoo ink toxic?

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals which are known carcinogens, was found in a fifth of the samples tested and in 83% of the black inks tested by NICNAS. Other hazardous components included barium, copper, mercury, amines and various colourants.

Can a tattoo trigger autoimmune disease?

In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.

What do psychiatrists say about tattoos?

We recommend that tattoos are noted during the psychiatric examination and a record is made of their characteristics (location, size and content). The reasons and motivation for acquiring the tattoo(s) should be explored. Another benefit of recording tattoos is that they can be used for person identification.

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