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

The location of a tummy tuck scar will vary depending on the patients anatomy, amount of skin laxity as well as to the level and location that is requested, as long as the amount of skin laxity permits. I have my patients bring in the the style of bikini or panty that they typically wear and design in front of a mirror the incision so the patient can approve the design and location. In some patients without enough skin laxity, they may require a small vertical incision in the midline to close the opening from where the belly button once was, in order to keep the incision down low.

Mini or modified tummy tuck scars are placed to hide below the preferred bikini or panty line as well. At times, I also combine the low scar of a mini or modified tummy tuck with a reverse tummy tuck that hides the scars in the creases under the breasts. The reverse abdominoplasty can be advantageous to those who already have mastopexy scars in the inframammary crease. This combination procedure generally avoids a scar around the belly button.

Creating a natural looking belly button in a full abdominoplasty procedure is also very important to have an optimal outcome. I prefer a procedure that keeps the belly button scar pulled inside the belly button with slight hooding to look as natural as possible.

Liposculpture is performed in most, but not all, tummy tuck procedures, often called lipo-abdominoplasty. Stitching is all done with dissolving sutures below the level of the skin to avoid track marks as well. Scars, initially red and more obvious will generally continue to fade and lighten over the year after surgery.

The scar from a tummy tuck is often hip to hip. How long it is exactly often depends on how much excess skin you have. However, where exactly the scar is placed, can be varied. It should be somewhat simple to have the scar be hidden by your bathing suit or bikini bottom. To be more assured of this, I often ask my patients to bring it with them the day of surgery, so that they can be appropriately marked.

You may see photos of patients with high scars – these may be older photos and taken during a time period where the fashion was to have high cut bathing suits. To change scar location with fashion may not be as simple, but may be an option for some people who have had a tummy tuck years ago and have some loose skin again.

It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible.

Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. These can usually be started at approximately 3-4 weeks postop and when incisions healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process.

Scars will never disappear, but attempt is made to make the finest scar in a concealed location. Incisions may be revised to lower or conceal better if enough laxity exists.

If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year’s time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself.

A good tummy tuck surgeon tries very hard to hide the scar low where it will hide in underwear. It is not possible in every patient, but look at the pre and post op photos when choosing your surgeon. Also different bikini bottoms fit in different ways so choose you swimwear accordingly.

Tummy tuck scars can be customized to be located under most bikini bottoms or underwear. Bring your bikini in with you for the consultation and your plastic surgeon can show you where the scar would be. You should be able to wear a bikini prior to one year, possibly as early as 3-4 months.

In my practice, I will have my patient bring their favorite bikini or underwear with them on the day of surgery. I mark the location of the underwear and design my lower abdominal incision below this point. The appearance of the scar depends on a variety of factors including quality of skin (stretch marks, skin tone), tension on the closure site, surgical closure technique, smoking, and predisposition to hypertrophic/keloid scarring.

I tell my patients that a scar will take up to one year to completely mature. During the first few weeks scars are typically red or dark, raised, firm, and hard. However the color tends to fade and the firmness of the scar will soften over the course of a year.

I offer several treatments including silicone sheeting, scar gel, or prolonged steri-strip use.

An incision can generally go from hip to hip and around the belly button. It takes on average six months to one year for scars to fade and heal. Use of scar creams are often suggested one week after your procedure.

Tummy tuck scars are designed so that they can be hidden in the waistline and within the belly button. You should be able to wear a two piece bathing suit after a few weeks and have the scar be well hidden. It is important that you use a waterproof sunblock and avoid tanning the scar in the first 6 months as this can lead to permanent discoloration. Sometimes depending on surgeon preference the scar position can be modified. Talk to your plastic surgeon and discuss the scar placement during your consultation.

Yes you can wear a bikini 1 year after a tummy tuck. The key to achieving that is to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon on the location of the scars.

I typically will ask patients to bring in the skimpiest thing they are planning to wear and we plan to keep the scars as low as possible and within the confines of that garment. In most patients, the scar will fade enough after 1 year that they can wear a bikini.

I also include a scar revision complementary with all my Tummy Tuck Surgeries so that if for any reason the scar is not ideal, we can revise it in the office under local anesthesia which is a quick, simple and no cost procedure for our patients.

A complete examination of your anatomy will determine how low the scar can be placed. I often mark my patients in the preoperative area while they are wearing their bathing suit bottom to work toward having the scar hidden.

The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to create an aesthetically pleasing midsection, with the least noticeable scar. This scar is usually located below the bikini line therefore you’ll be able to wear a bikini once the scar heals. You can help make your scar less noticeable by keeping it out of direct sunlight and taking care of it properly. Silicone sheeting and topical silicone cream can help this process.