I have 1/2 sleeve (lower from wrist to elbow) on the side I had lymph nodes removed. I waited 6 years after surgery. My artist is aware of my medical issues and we are working on this max 90 minutes per session we started about 7 months ago and I have one session left. After one of the sessions I experienced some really bad itching and burning but no swelling. That session I had had a lot of color done. The issues lasted about 12 hours and stopped on their own. In addition I have another tattoo that he did on my upper arm that is about 7x4 inches.

Update. I had no issues on the arm that I had the tattoo on. I just recommend making sure you do this in small sections and you should be fine.

My tattooist is a paramedical tattoo artist. She said you can. I just got one on that side, so I will let you know. I would definitely make sure your tattooist knows about your lymph node removal. They will do less at a time to prevent issues like lymphedema.

The risk of lymphadenopathy is dependent upon the number of lymph nodes removed. Back in 1998 when I was diagnosed, sentinel node biopsy was fairly new. My surgeon didn’t trust sentinel node biopsy due to the large area of DCIS that was present. So, he removed 19 nodes and they were all negative. I am very careful with that arm ... no blood pressure readings, no blood draws on that side. I fly with a compression sleeve, avoid extreme temperature exposure, bug bites, stings, etc.

That said, sentinel node biopsy is commonly practiced these days. Only 2, 3 or 4 nodes are removed so the risk of lymphadema is greatly reduced. I think you’re smart to ask others who have gone through similar biopsy and later tarts on that arm.

Thanks but I'm looking for actual specific personal experiences, not blanketed internet advice. Especially since no one really seems to know anything definitive about lymphadema