A. Marking of our patients on the day of surgery is a critical part of the process. The markings serve as an essential blueprint for the surgery. For my breast and body surgeries, I do the marking with the patient standing up, which ensures that I can assess the skin tension and how your tissue drapes most accurately.

Using a skin marker, I will make some essential anatomical landmarks, such as the midline and borders of the breast or abdomen, as well as actual surgery incisions, such as the new nipple position, incision lines, and liposuction areas. Being marked is a new experience and somewhat unusual feeling for many patients. To preserve your privacy, we can ask your caregiver to wait in the waiting room while your marking takes place.

The marker is not permanent, and we try to remove the marker at the end of surgery; you may see some residual marks on your skin after surgery, that will wash away when you are allowed to shower.

One of the foundations of our practice is patient safety. Surgical site markings are an integral part of ensuring that your surgery is well-planned, safe, and successful.

If you have further questions about surgical marking or are considering surgery, please call our office and speak with Alma to schedule a surgical consultation. I will be happy to meet with you.

– Cindy Wu, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon