There are three different post tummy tuck scars potentially associated with a Tummy Tuck. The scar most patients are familiar with runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic hair from essentially hip to hip.
There is always a second scar, often times overlooked, around the navel. These two scars are always present after a Tummy Tuck. In certain instances there are vertical scars in addition to the horizontal scar that run in the midline at a ninety degree angle to the horizontal scar.
Some of these vertical post tummy tuck scars run between the horizontal scar and the navel. Others run the entire vertical length of the abdomen from the pubic region to just below the rib cage. The vertical scar below the navel occurs when the navel opening cannot be removed with the excess skin and usually results when one has an anatomically high navel.
Your surgeon should be able to warn you before surgery if this scar is a possibility. The longer vertical scar extending in a perpendicular line from the middle of the horizontal scar is usually necessary when there is an extreme amount of excess abdominal skin.
This amount of loose skin is often present after significant weight loss. These cases require the surgeon to remove this skin both in a horizontal and vertical dimension to produce maximum skin tightening. Again, your surgeon should be able to prepare you before surgery if this vertical scar is a possibility.
Beyond predicting how many scars and where they will be positioned there is no predicting the final appearance of the scar itself. Whether the scar will be easily noticeable or not is not predictable. When it comes to scarring in general patients must be willing to accept the worst and hope for the best.
I do believe that most Tummy Tuck patients will agree that the trading in of their loose, stretch marked skin for a tighter abdomen but now with post tummy tuck scars was still worth it. (David A. Ross, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Post tummy tuck scars may be long but they are generally very acceptable and well hidden.
To remove skin, an tummy tuck incision and resulting scar is necessary. A tummy tuck removes skin and the length of the resulting scar is proportional to the amount of skin removed. In any event, the scar will traverse most of the lower abdomen. Fortunately, over time it usually ends up being inconspicuous and is placed so that it is covered by underwear or the bottom of a 2 piece bathing suit. The navel is reconstructed in an abdominoplasty so there is a scar in that area. However, the scar can by design end up down in the funnel that is the new navel and usually is not a cosmetic issue. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Scars after a tummy tuck
The scars from a tummy tuck are typically located at the bikini line and around the belly button. The length of the scar depends upon the amount of skin that needs to be removed. More skin usually means a longer scar. The skin is lifted off the abdomen and pulled downwards to this incision. The excess skin is removed giving a tighter and more appealing contour. The belly button is often times brought out through the newly placed abdominal skin and this creates a scar the belly button. (David Bogue, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)
Post tummy tuck scars vary
Tummy tucks can be done in a variety of ways, but all tummy tucks will at least have a scar along the lower abdomen where you can hide it under a bikini. Most tummy tucks have another scar hidden in or around the belly button. How long the scar is depends on your body and what your goals are.
Some women only need a small or “mini” incision across the bottom, and others need a long one that goes hip to hip (such as in cases of massive weight loss). Your best bet is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in person, and ask how long it would be on your body. Even with long scars, patients are usually so happy with their new body shape that the scar is not even an issue. (Anita Patel, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Scars and tummy tucks
The tummy tuck scars can vary for different individuals and clothing styles. Usually the scar is kept low in the pubic region so that it is hidden in the underwear. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Scar tactics for tummy tuck
Plastic surgeons are used to talking about post tummy tuck scars but it is a scary word for patients. Of course there is no way to do a tummy tuck surgery or most other kinds of surgery without a scar, and although plastic surgeons have techniques to minimize and hide them, they are a fact of life. The key with tummy tucks is to keep the scar low, and have it placed so that it can be concealed with swimwear. Plan on bringing a bikini bottom with you on the day of surgery so the markings can be done to place the scar where it will be covered. The length of the scar of course depends on how much skin is to be removed. One thing that I do also is to use what I call anchor sutures underneath, which help prevent the scar from migrating up, and also keep the tension off of the skin so the scar doesn’t widen. Most patients have no issue with the scar once it has had time to fade. (Richard Baxter, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)