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

The location of the scar from a tummy tuck is ideally and carefully placed low across the abdomen so that it can be hidden with a bikini bottom or underwear. The length of the scar is determined by the amount of skin laxity. When there is a significant amount of skin laxity, the scar from tummy tuck is longer.

There are many different styles of bikinis and underwear that women wear.

In order to ensure that the scar is located in an optimal position, I often have a woman bring in a bikini bottom or pair of underwear that she typically wears. That allows the scar to be planned to meet her individual clothing preferences.

With a well concealed scar and a newly flat belly, your bikini will look better than ever. Best of luck with your tummy tuck.

A scar from tummy tuck

I tell my patients that my goal is that they can wear a bikini and no one should be able to tell they have had surgery. That requires two things. The first is a scar low enough that it will be hidden in bikinis and underwear. The second is a natural looking belly button.

Ask your surgeon what they consider to be important features of a nice belly button. It should be small, have a slight hooding at the top, gently sweep in wards at the bottom, and hide the scars on the inside.

During a tummy tuck procedure the incision is made right above the pubic hair line. The placement of this incision makes it very easy to disguise with clothing. Scar from tummy tuck will become lighter and flatter during the first year post surgery and will continue to fade with time. A bikini covering the scar should be able to be easily worn at this time.

Scar from tummy tuck image

It depends on how small your underpants and bikini bottom are, as well as what your abdomen looks like now. Expect to make some accommodation for the scar from tummy tuck in your choice of bikini. And remember that the scar around your navel will be exposed. Like many things in life, an abdominoplasty is a trade: better body contours, but some visible scars.

Scar from tummy tuck can usually be hidden below the bikini line. However, it would be difficult to tell you where exactly your scar will lying without a physical examination. I recommend that you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to show you how low on your body your incision will be.

While it is true that the genetic factors governing the response of your skin to tension are of prime importance, there are factors pertaining to the conduct of the surgery that are almost equally as important.

Scar from tummy tuck operation

First, let me reassure you that most properly trained plastic surgeons adhere to similar techniques of skin handling and

closure. Where differences arise will be in the planning of the operation (this issue receives only cursory importance in most discussions concerning the subject) and the anchoring techniques securing the “floating” upper skin flap to the “immobile” fascia (tough fibrous tissue) of the groin region. Tummy tuck surgery planning receives very little attention beyond “cookbook” lines drawn on the standing patient at the time of surgery.

This, in my humble opinion, is the starting point of visible scars down the line and is possibly the reason why most “After” photographs are taken with panties on in order to hide embarrassing scar positions.

Scar from tummy tuck photo

While most surgeons such as myself make every effort to keep the Tummy Tuck scar as low as possible, there are several factors that influence the final position of the scar from tummy tuck.

Remember that after removal of the excess skin and fat from the abdomen, the tissue left behind above the resection pulls upward while the

tissue left below the incision pulls downward. The final scar from tummy tuck ends up where these opposing forces find an equality. Most of the time, the incision is able to be placed low enough that after some upward migration, the final scar ends up low enough that a high waisted or sport bikini covers it nicely. A string bikini is another story however, and you should discuss your particular situation with your surgeon.

Scar from tummy tuck surgery

It is safe to say that it’s impossible to perform a tummy tuck without scarring. This operation trades stretch marks, loose skin, and weakened muscles for a scar that is hopefully well positioned. The patient’s particular anatomy will have a profound impact on scar placement. Factors such as the transverse width of the abdomen, the distance from the pubis to the rib cage, the position of the umbilicus, and the patient’s stretch marks are all extremely important variables.

Each patient is unique and it’s essential to have good communication between the patient and surgeon. I find it very helpful to perform pre-operative markings with the patient wearing her swimsuit; by utilizing this maneuver, confusion regarding incision placement is minimized.

The scar from tummy tuck operation

Even when extreme care is taken, would-healing problems may still occur. It is imperative to realize that would-healing is a dynamic process, which varies from patient to patient. For these reasons, scars may take over a year to reach maturity.

When scars are less than optimal, scar revision may be necessary and this usually results in a satisfied patient. With normal would-healing and a well-placed incision, most patients are back in their bikinis 12 months after tummy tuck surgery.

The scar from tummy tuck

The final location of the scar from a tummy tuck will depend on the style of bikini bottoms or panties a person will wear. In general, you want to keep these incisions as low as possible. I ask my patients during the initial consult and exam the location of their panty and bikini lines.

I also ask what other types of jeans and shorts they may wear and where they come to on their waist.

My practice is located in Florida and people typically are wearing less clothing year round, so concealing scars is very important. From our discussions, I will then design an incision which best fits their body and lines.

Additionally, after surgery I have a very specific scar reduction protocol. This includes use of the Palomar Icon laser which is FDA approved for laser scar reduction. I also utilize ultrasound and the Body FX device from InMode to further improve your results.

Unfortunately there is no way to perform an abdominoplasty without leaving a fairly lengthy scar on the lower abdomen and often one around the umbilicus. It is wise to consider your preference in clothing and discuss this with your surgeon pre-operatively.

For example, most abdominoplasty scars can be hidden by bikini bottoms, but the ideal position of the scar would be different if you prefered to wear high-cut versus low-cut bottoms. Your surgeon can discuss the specific considerations of scar position for your anatomy.