Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Abdominoplasty with multiple scars.

Abdominoplasty is possible despite multiple scars. The scars that you describe do not seem to be an impediment. It is all about blood flow.

That is why the old fashioned gall bladder incision precludes most from an abdominoplasty as the blood flow would be compromised.

Often this operation allows folks to trade multiple scars for one, more aesthetically pleasing scar. Always best to go see the plastic surgeon.

Together you will see what is possible or not. Every case is different. (Jeffrey Roth, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

Can a tummy tuck be done with multiple surgical scars already present?

A full tummy tuck is definitely an excellent choice for your situation. A tummy tuck will remove the previous C-section scars and tubal ligation scars. It will not be able to remove the scars from the gall bladder surgery that are much higher on the abdomen. The result is that the contour will be substantially improved. The scars from the other procedures do not pose any complications. The only real concern is to see whether you have a hernia (a defect in the abdominal wall) and to fix that at the time of the surgery. (Sirish Maddali, MD)

Scars and Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck with these scars should be no problem and you should get a great result. You masy still have a bit of a vertical scar at the lower end but your extra skin will be gone.  (John P. Stratis, MD, Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon)

It sounds as if you have the perfect belly for a tummy tuck. I should be able to remove all of the vertical scarring and convert it to a horizontal scar that you can hide in your underwear.

When you go for a consultation, look at photos – there should be some of people with scars like yours. Make sure you see a well qualified certified plastic surgeon and have all your questions answered. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Previous vertical scars and abdominopalsty

As long as you are a candidate for a full abdominoplasty where the skin above the belly button can be mobilized to meet a transverse scar somewhere above the pubis, then all those vertical scars will end up being excised and you will have converted the vertical scar to a more easily hidden pantyline scar. The laparoscopic scar shouldn’t interfere either. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck and abdominal scars

The scars you’ve described should not interfere with a tummy tuck. The main concern with scars is that they might compromise the blood supply to the skin that will be remaining after surgery.

Since your scars are below the umbilicus, and this is the area that is removed, you should be fine. (Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck with Previous Abdominal Scars

The scars that you have described should not interfere with a tummy tuck. The midline scars below your belly button will probably be removed during the tummy tuck.

The laparoscopic scars are probably small enough that they have not caused a significant interference with blood supply. You should seek consultation with a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)

Although you describe multiple surgical scars, the most significant one, the vertical incision from your C-sections, extends below the belly button. Most often, with a tummy tuck, the skin from the belly button to the pubic region gets excised and discarded.

This unsightly scar will traded for a much more pleasing incision in the bikini line, that will not cause your skin to drape in an unsightly manner. The other incisions you mention, from your laparoscopic cholecystectomy and tubal ligation are minor concerns and do not represent an impediment to surgery.

That being said, other medical conditions, such as diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, certain autoimmune diseases, etc., do represent an impediment to surgery. You would greatly benefit from an evaluation from a board certified to plastic surgeon to find out if tummy tuck is right for you. (Sam Jejurikar, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Some of the most dramatic results with tummy tucks are with previous vertical c-section or hysterectomy scars.

The vertical scar commonly will be depressed and fut bulging lateral to the scar. The vertical scar is traded for a horizontal scar that will hide in the bikini line. There is no safety concern with this type of scar and tummy tucks. (William Alan Dulin, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)