Drawstring Incision closures ALWAYS lead to puckering – BAD idea for a Tummy Tuck
Most simple solutions to complex problems are seductive and usually Oh, So Wrong! So, let me lay some “Hope and Change” on you.
The bigger the discrepancy between the final inner circle and the original defect / circle, the more pleating and rippling will be associated with the closure.
This is commonly seen with the purse string Round Block Benelli breast Lift repair when used for more than minimal lifts.
The result is a permanent sun burst, pleated scar often widened due to the centrifugal outward tension on the closure.
An attempt to remove the excess skins from an average thin woman after 2-3 pregnancies with a belly button purse string suture would result in an ugly raised hill of pleats around the belly button. Simple but bad idea. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)
Belly button incisions
When performing a tummy tuck, it is essential to work closely with the patient for the position and size of the scar. In our practice, patients bring their favorite bikini to the surgery center to help us determine where the best place another scar is.
Here in Miami, patients appreciate a very low scar on their lower abdomen so that they can wear very low-cut jeans and Brazilian bikinis. We perform multiple techniques to make sure that the scar stays in this position and does not widen.
A straight and very low well positioned scar is tolerated best. It is possible to recontour the skin around the belly button with an umbilicoplasty. To create a pleasing scar, however, you are limited by the amount of skin that you can remove. Typically, you cannot remove enough skin comparable to the effects of a tummy tuck. To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below. (Pat Pazmino, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Full tummy tuck is best for most women.
Lot’s of people have had your idea. It is clever but unfortunately it doesn’t work. After tummy tuck, most women are thrilled with their new shape inspite of the long scar. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
I Wouldn’t Advise It.
While it seems like a good idea, the skin would not play well when drawn in like that. It would tend to look very un-natural and “pulled.” (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)
Don’t bother!
I give you a lot of credit because it is a very interesting idea. As others have mentioned, removing the skin is not the only component of a tummy-tuck (abdominoplasty). A good abdominoplasty will reshape the fascia (layer above the abdominal muscles), reshape the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat and restore a youthful, flatter abdomen.
This cannot be done from the belly button alone. Tummy tuck incisions DO heal very well in the vast majority of patients and can be easily hidden. You would be better off with a true abdominoplasty. (Sirish Maddali, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)
A drawstring procedure around the umbilicus doesn’t work as well as a true tummy tuck. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS)