Updated for 2026
So you want to get breast implants, but you have an existing tattoo on or near your breasts. Will this affect your ability to get breast implants? What about incision placement? How about getting tattoos after breast implants?
Take a look at the answers to your burning questions about tattoos and breast augmentation.
Location, Location, Location
For the most part, your existing tattoos shouldn’t be affected by breast enhancement, even if they are very close to the crease underneath your breasts. In this case, you have a few options.
The most common approach is the inframammary incision, which follows the natural crease underneath your breasts. It’s a popular choice because it gives your surgeon excellent visibility and control during the procedure, and the resulting scar tends to be well-hidden along the fold. However, if you have a tattoo near the breast crease, this incision may slightly alter the design, depending on its size and exact placement.
Another option is the periareolar incision, which traces a semi-circle around the bottom half of your areola. Because it avoids the breast crease entirely, this technique can be a good alternative for patients with ink in that area. Keep in mind, though, that this incision passes through breast tissue, which may affect sensation and has a slightly higher association with breastfeeding complications compared to the inframammary approach.
If preserving your ability to breastfeed is a priority, the inframammary incision is generally considered the safer choice.
What About the Transaxillary or Transumbilical Incision?
When researching breast implant incision techniques, you may have come across something called the transaxillary incision, which is placed in the natural fold of the armpit and avoids the breast entirely. While this option sounds great on paper, it’s not typically recommended, as it comes with a few key trade-offs.
The transaxillary approach gives Dr. Campanile less direct visibility, which can make precise implant placement more challenging. It also isn’t suitable for all implant types or sizes. Thus, this technique is typically reserved for specific cases. If you’d like more information, be sure to ask Dr. Campanile about the pros and cons of this approach at your consultation.
Can You Get a Tattoo after Breast Implants?
Yes, you can still get a tattoo after breast implants, although you will need to wait until you’ve completely healed. In fact, some women choose to get tattoos after breast enhancement to cover up their scars and make them even less noticeable.
One thing to keep in mind as you plan: breast implants aren’t lifetime devices, so you will likely need at least one revision surgery at some point. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo after your initial breast augmentation, it’s worth factoring in the possibility of future incisions when deciding on placement. A design that sits directly over an incision site could be disrupted down the road.
Still Have Questions?
If you have specific questions about how breast augmentation could affect your existing or future tattoos, the best place to start is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Campanile. To get started, contact us online or call our Denver office at 303-345-7476 today.
Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
