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

Careful pre-op planning, attention to detail and a few surgical maneuvers can deliver an excellent, well-hidden tummy tuck scar. I often draw out the eventual scar on the patient at the time of the consultation to show her where it will lie post-op. The patient can then decide if she wants the scar to be adjusted, within the limits of what is technically possible.

Although most patients want a very low scar, if there is a lot of laxity in the pubic area a very low incision can create a lot of tension which will pull the pubic region too far upwards post-op. The use of anchoring sutures in the pubis can prevent this. The use of quilting sutures during surgery can also create a more predicatble scar, as well as reducing the risk of a seroma.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in tummy-tuck surgery are able to create an esthetically pleasing scar, placed in a well-hidden position according to the patient’s desires. In my clinic in Montreal tummy-tuck surgery is the most common one that I perform and the patients are among my happiest. The resulting scar is almost never an issue as it is completely overshadowed by the flat, firm abdomen that results from this surgery.

Tummy tuck scars after 1 year pictures

The day of a tummy tuck, all of my patients bring their favorite panty or bikini, This allows me to design the tummy in multiple different poses to make sure that the tummy tuck scar will always be hidden when the patient wears their favorite clothes.

The ultimate design and placement of the scar is my patient’s choice. Some women prefer French cut biknis that ride high on the hips and accentuate their thighs. Other women, especially here in South Florida, enjoy wearing very small and low bikinis and jeans. A well designed tummy tuck will fit the patient’s own personal fashion sense and lifestyle.

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year picture

Although there are various ways to do a tummy tuck, the most common is a low scar in the pubic area stretching from hip to hip. You and your surgeon need to realize the scar will migrate up slightly from where the markings are made prior to surgery, so always make it just a little lower than you think it should be.

I prefer to have a patient wear a favorite bathing suit style while we mark her so we make sure and keep the lines inside the material of the swim suit. A good surgeon has sevefral techniques to minize the scar, but ultimately your genetic disposition to making scar tissue will determine how thick or thin or red or white the scar is.

When the skin of the tummy tuck is pulled down and tightened the pubic skin and the scar will generally tend to rise. Because of this I always make my incisions as low as possible in the bathing suit or bikini line.

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year pictures

A mini tummy tuck is under less tension so it will not tend to rise as much. Full tummy tuck has much more tension.

Bring the bikini that you wish to wear with you on the day of surgery so that your surgeon can mark you in your bathing suit. While it is possible that you may need a taller underwear or bathing suit in the future bringing the garment you want to wear will be the best road map for your surgeon.

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year photo

Generally the bellybutton incision is more visible because it lies above the bathing suit or bikini line. I always favor small belly buttons because they are less obtrusive.

The goal of a tummy tuck in my opinion is to make your abdomen looks its best while hidding the incisions so you can wear a two piece bikini without anyone knowing you had a tummy tuck. This is possible in the majority of patients and is accomplished by placing the final horizontal incision very low in the panty line and the belly button scar inside the belly button.

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year image

The scars are hidden for sure, unless ther is a reason otherwise. The surgeon will explain if this is the case. Always discuss the scar placement in advance with your doctor.

The best way I have found to hide your tummy tuck scar is to have you wear your underwear or bikini to the pre-operative room and we can mark exactly where it will lie. We can then design the scar within that outline in order to minimize the exposure to the scar.

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year photos

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon it is my responsibility to view each patient and discuss the location of the scars prior to surgery. I always try to go as low as possible without compromising the results. Communication before surgery is the key to a successful outcome.

A little pre op planning goes a long way. Bring a bikini bottom with you on the day of surgery so your surgeon can outline it on your skin. Your surgeon can then map out a location for your scar that will position it as well as possible. After surgery there are a few thing you can do to help the healing process:

• Early after surgery do the wound care your surgeon describes
• Don’t over do it early on, too much activity can increase swelling and bruising which will not help the healing process
• Wear a proper compression garment for 4 to 5 weeks after surgery
• Your surgeon will tell you when to start using a scar cream
• Do not sun tan your scar until it is fully healed (no longer red)

Tummy tuck scar after 1 year images

There will always be a visible scar that does improve over time and at one year may still be somewhat reddish or raised and still prone to changes with sun exposure.

To answer directly, yes it is possible to wear a bikini at one year.

As to whether the scar can be concealed by a bikini, that really depends on the length, location and quality of the scar and of course, the size and style of your bikini. Also, the scar at the umbilicus would still be exposed.

You can usually have your tummy tuck incision made very low, just at or below the pubic hairline.

If you wear a teeny, tiny string bikini, your incision may show, but most two pieces can be worn without the scar being noticeable. In my experience, many of my patients have very little concern about the scar. Discuss your concerns and thoughts with surgeons and talk about exactly where incision would be placed.