Tummy Tuck Scar: types, healing and expectations

Abdominoplasty is one of the plastic surgeries that is gaining increasing popularity in recent years all over the world. 

It is an ideal procedure for patients who have excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area either due to extensive weight loss or as a restorative procedure to the abdominal area procedure after giving birth. 

A tummy tuck can also involve reparation of separated muscles in the abdominal wall that can occur after weight fluctuations or pregnancy.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, while reviewing the benefits of the procedure and the expected recovery time with your surgeon, it is important to understand the incision scar that will remain prominent after surgery.

Tummy Tuck Scar - Dr. Evren Isci

 

Types of incisions for a tummy tuck

• Full Tummy Tuck

The incisions for a tummy tuck most often extend all the way from one hip bone to the other as well as a small incision around the navel. This allows your surgeon to remove all of the tissue below and just above the belly button. 

Any stretch marks in this area will also be removed. If liposuction is planned as part of your procedure, these additional incisions are very small and usually almost invisible.

• Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for those who have minimal excess skin or roundness limited to the area just below the navel. This can be done with a shorter incision - often either the same length or a little longer than a typical Caesarean scar. The incision and recovery for a mini tummy tuck is usually much shorter than that of a normal full tummy tuck.

• Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

For patients with significant excess skin due to multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss, a prolonged incision may be recommended. Patients who have successfully lost weight with gastric bypass or diet and exercise and have lost 40 kg or more may have laxity and excess tissue that stretches both horizontally and vertically. 

The procedure is sometimes called a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. In addition to the standard abdominal incision, it includes a vertical incision extending from the lower sternum to the pubic bone. The final scar will look like a capital (T).

How to take care of your incision to minimize scarring?

Whatever incision you end up having for your tummy tuck, it is important to continue regular follow-ups with your surgeon so that your incision heals with the best scar possible:

• Most surgeons use surgical glue and sterile bands at the time of surgery. 
• They may prescribe a healing cream after two weeks. 
• Additionally, some patients can opt for laser therapy to optimize scar remodeling after surgery.
• It will be important to protect your incision from direct exposure to direct sunlight and to use sunscreen for the first few months after surgery to help your scar heal to its best potential. It will take a full year for the scar to completely disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions