Are There Scars from Tummy Tuck Surgery?
About Tummy Tuck Surgery Scars –
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men in Oakland County obtain the firm flat abdomen they have always wanted with a Tummy Tuck. One of his patient’s primary concerns is what scarring can result from a Tummy Tuck.
A Tummy Tuck (also called “abdominoplasty”) is a surgery, and as with any incision some scarring will occur. The scar can be extremely small – or much larger depending upon the amount of skin removed as well as the patient’s capacity to heal or scar. However, patients can expect any scars to fade and become less noticeable with time.
Tummy Tuck Incision Placement and Scars (new image created)
The type of Tummy Tuck and the size of the incision required will determine the length of the scar. Dr. Ali will choose the best tummy tuck technique for a patient that uses the smallest incision possible for the procedure. In most cases, the remaining scar is in a location that will be covered by a bikini bottom.
Endoscopic Tummy Tuck Scars
Sometimes, the Tummy Tuck surgery can be performed using endoscopic techniques, which involves one or multiple very short incisions.
Mini-Tummy Tuck Scars
If the navel does not need to be repositioned, a Mini-Tummy Tuck may be able to be performed – which typically has a shorter.
Dermolipectomy Tummy Tuck Scars
When a dermolipectomy Tummy Tuck is performed, excess skin and fat are removed, and the naval (belly button) is also repositioned – but there is no muscle tightening. So scarring is a bit more than a mini-tummy-tuck but still less than a full abdominoplasty.
Full Abdominoplasty Scars
A Full Abdominoplasty is more invasive, and is performed on patients with very lax muscles and large excess amounts of skin. In this technique the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen (just above your pubic bone), usually from hip to hip. While most of the scar will still be below the “bikini line” it can be a long scar.
Tummy Tuck Healing and Scars
Different people scar differently. In most people, the scars are typically healed by 6 to 8 weeks. The scars will generally mature for up to a year, by which time they should fade considerably and be only a thin, fine, inconspicuous line. In some people, after several years, the scars eventually become almost undetectable.
However, a very small percentage of individuals have a hereditary predisposition toward scarring. Individuals who have a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring should discuss this with their doctor.
Reducing Appearance of Tummy Tuck Scars
Many things can be done to reduce the appearance of scars, including post-surgical taping and specially prescribed oils or lotions containing silicone, vitamin E, and more. In more severe cases of scarring, silicone sheeting, low level lasers and other treatments can reduce scars.
Dr. Ali will advise you as to the best treatment for scars and when you may begin treating them. Do not “self-treat” your scars without guidance from your plastic surgeon.
Finally, remember that scars are less resistant to ultraviolet rays and much more prone to sunburn than normal skin. Sun exposure can actually permanently darken a scar, so keep your scar covered and do not try to “heal” your scar with sunlight.
Oakland County’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgery
Oakland County board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men obtain the firm flat abdomen they have always wanted with a Tummy Tuck. His skill and experience enable him to leave the smallest scar possible for your specific procedure – whiler obtaining optimal results.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, and he will answer all of your questions – including what Tummy Tuck technique is best for you scarring (if any) to expect in your unique situation.
