Tummy tuck vertical incision
The photos suggest your tummy tuck is likely to need a small vertical incision. No surgeon can be sure until surgery. This is why you had two different opinions – a vertical tummy tuck incision is likely but not certain. (Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Even though your C-section scar is low, the normal location of the lower incision for an abdominoplasty is about 5-6 cm above the clitoral hood. And it appears as if your C-section scar would be removed with the tummy tuck surgery anyway. I would suggest that you will likely not require the vertical incision.
With that being said, you still have a small risk of requiring that incision, so you need to be prepared for it, just in case. It really is impossible to tell for sure with photos alone. (William T. Stoeckel, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)
Will I Need a Small Vertical Incision for my Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck vertical incision photo
Anatomically you have two issues. The very low C-section scar and the higher placed bb. These in combination cause the PSs you have seen on 2 occasions to “cover their asses” by mentioning the possible need for a small vertical incision. The other PS believes he can accomplish the tummy tuck without one. A good rule of thumb is to understands all the risks involved in any surgery. I think you will need a small vertical incision but not really sure. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Low C-section scar and Tummy Tuck Vertical Incision
By given photos, I too, believe that if you wish to have one incision for your tummy tuck, at or below your c-section scar, you will probably require a small vertical scar. If you are willing to have the incision placed above the c-section scar (resulting in a second transverse scar) you could avoid the vertical scar. Either incision would be a reasonable option in your case. (Vincent D. Lepore, MD, San Jose Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty vertical incision
Based on pictures I think that you will end up with a small T closure. This can’t be position within the panty line. I believe that you’ll get a great improvement of your abdominal contour. (Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
The distance between your belly button and your existing c-section scar is considerable. Knowing this your options are to have a new incision (scar) placed above the c-section scar to avoid having a vertical scar or accept the distinct possibility that a small vertical scar may be needed if the c-section scar is used.
You have to decide whether two low horizontal scars or a vertical scar is preferable to you. (Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD, Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Vertical Scar with a Tummy Tuck
Photos do confirm that you have a low C section scar. There is a chance that you will require a small vertical scar for the old umbilical hole. I would advise you not to get too caught up in whether or not you will need that scar. It is better to just communicate to your doctor that you would prefer not to have it.
And, if they are able to do your procedure without the incision, then I am sure that they will do so. However, there are times that you will require the incision in order to keep your tummy tuck incision low. In such a case, your doctor will need to do this. And, it is a good trade off for you, because it will help to keep your tummy tuck incision low, under your bikini line. Have faith that your doctor will do the right thing for you depending on how stretchy your tissues are. (Gilbert Lee, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon
