Tummy tuck incisions can be placed high or low
It seems that everyone is in agreement, the scar can be placed high or low. Most patients today request the scar to be low, and that is where I place it in most cases.
Some surgeons use different techniques and have different routines that they follow. Discuss this with the surgeon you choose.
If you are not happy with what you see and hear before surgery, you will not be happy after either. (Daniel P. Markmann, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Incisions for Tummy Tuck
There are several reasons why Tummy Tuck incisions end up high. First, the central point of the incision must be no more than 7-9cm above the commisure or top point of the vulva.
The problem can occur if the pubic tissue isn’t elevated as it would end up when the preopertive markings are made. Next, if there isn’t enough tissue to be taken out then the hole that did house the belly button will not be taken out when the top incision is made leaving a vertical incision some place between the belly button and the pubis.
Finally poor preoperative planning is usually the cause of most high incisions. (Christopher L. Hess, MD, Fairfax Plastic Surgeon)
A low tummy tuck incisions is preferred by most patients
Some incisions are high, and the reason for this is the way the surgery was planned. Patients with pubic or groin skin laxity may have a bikini-line incision marked, but that incision will later “drift” upwards as the lower, lax tissues stretch. I strive to keep my incisions low.
I think patients desire this, especially with the low-rise fashions today. If the site of the old belly button will not reach down to the incision, a small vertical scar will result.
I give patients a choice here. I also like to keep the incision low around the hips, but depending on the anatomy of your pelvic and hip bones this is not always as easy. I also prefer keeping the incision off the actual hip bones as it can be uncomfortable in this area and there can be healing problems. (John LoMonaco, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck incisions
The level of the tummy tuck incision is determined by a number of factors, predominantly the amount of excess skin above the belly button. If the amount or elasticity of skin above the belly button is not sufficient to stretch to the level of the pubis, then the incision needs to be higher.
If the skin can stretch safely to the level of the pubis, then your surgeon can place the incison at this level. Each tummy tuck should be tailored to your individual anatomy and specific goals. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck incisions can be low
Go to a doctor who does low tummy tuck incisions. Some are way too high. I like them low so they can be hidden in the underpants or two piece bathing suit. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty scar too high
The tummy tuck scar can be put at any location but there are compromises based on where the scar is, the amout of skin that needs to be removed, other scars and where the patient wants the scar. Your plastic surgeon should be able to tell you why the scar should go in a certain location and what would happen if the scar is moved higher or lower. (John P. Stratis, MD, Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon)
Placement of tummy tuck incisions
If you have a generous amount of extra skin above the umbilicus, you can have a very low TT scar. If you don’t have so much excess then the incision will be higher. I try as much as possible to avoid a vertical scar coming up from the sideways scar because vertical scars (from where the belly button was) look conspicuous. I feel it is better to have a slightly higher scar with no vertical componenet. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)