What You Need To Know About Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scarring

Quite a common concern that many people have when inquiring about a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the scar. Like all surgical procedures involving an incision, there will be a scar where the incision was made. The main incision scar will be hidden below the underwear line with most Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedures. The scar will be quite red for the first few months after surgery but will fade over time. This article will explore in-depth the scarring associated with Tummy Tuck procedures and how a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can address existing scars on your lower abdomen.

Whilst the amount of scarring is a factor to consider when determining which type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure is right for you, it is important to have a consultation with Dr Dona for further consultation.

During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will be able to advise you as to which type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure would be right for you.

Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) can remove a Cesarean Scar, previous abdominal surgical and stretch mark scars.

Stretch Marks Removal

Stretch marks can be a concern for some, especially when they are in such a prominent position as the lower and central abdominal region. Stretch marks are scars caused by the skin being stretched faster than what it can keep up with. Stretch mark scarring is often a result of pregnancy or rapid weight gain.

Some women can gain a moderate amount of weight and may not experience any stretch mark scarring whereas others may get stretch marks from only amount small weight gain. A person’s genetic makeup is a significant determining factor in determining who may or may not get stretch marks.

Regardless of the cause, stretch marks are scars and ultimately results in excess skin in the areas they affect. Also, with weight loss they become more visible as the skin in this region develops wrinkling and folds.

The only thing that can get rid of stretch marks is to remove the skin which has the stretch marks – in other words, a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will show you which stretch marks or other scars on your abdomen will be removed from your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure. Of course, stretch marks that extend beyond the region of skin that could be removed from a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) will still exist.

Removal of Caesarean Scars

During a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure, the incision is typically made below any existing caesarean scar. Therefore, these scars are always removed during a Tummy Tuck.

Removal of Scarring from Previous Abdominal Surgeries

Many necessary surgical procedures are performed without much regard for the aesthetic appearance of post-surgical scarring. Fortunately, with a tummy tuck procedure, these scars from previous abdominal surgeries can be completely removed/reduced in size and/or potentially improved.

Where is the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scar Located

The number and length of the surgical scars will depend on the type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure that you require. It is important to note that a traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) scar pattern will be best suited for most patients. During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will be able to advise you which type of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure would be best suited for you.

Traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scar

A traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) will involve two surgical scars. The first scar is from the main incision where the excess skin has been removed and tucked down. This scar is hidden down below the underwear line and hidden in regular underwear. The second scar is located within the belly button. This is because the belly button needs to be reattached once the excess skin has been removed during a traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Over many years of performing Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgeries, Dr Eddy Dona has honed the surgical technique used for his umbilicoplasty.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scar

The incision for a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is much shorter than a traditional Tummy Tuck; a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) scar is slightly larger than a typical caesarean scar. It is designed only to remove only a small amount of excess skin on the lower abdomen and is generally recommended for smaller patients with minimal excess skin located just above the pubic area. Since only the lower abdominal excess skin is being removed, the belly button will remain in its original position and completely untouched.

Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scar

A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be necessary for larger patients requiring a significant amount of excess skin and associated fatty tissue to be removed. Whilst very similar to a traditional Tummy Tuck, a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure involves an extra midline vertical scar from the lower breast cleavage region all the way down to join the standard horizontal Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) scar. This allows the skin to be tightened from the lower sides of the abdominal wall by removing a large wedge of excess skin. This vertical incision obviously will leave a scar. However, as with all surgical scars, the appearance of the scar can be minimised through proper scar care and treatment.

OPEN BOOK TUMMY TUCK™ (Abdominoplasty) Scar

An OPEN BOOK TUMMY TUCK™ (Abdominoplasty) is an operation that Dr Dona performs on individuals that require major abdominal wall reconstruction.

Those individuals that have undergone massive weight loss, and typically have looseness and excess skin extending up and down, and all the way around the body needed a reconstructive option that was going to best address this.

It’s called an “Open Book” because during these operations the abdominal wall is effectively opened like you would open a book – so it describes the operation halfway through. The scars involved in this operation are the same as a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), but with an additional horizontal scar that runs along both lower breast folds at least to the outer breast borders.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Scar Care

For patients considering a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), scarring is always a big concern. Like all surgical scars, abdominoplasty scars will never completely disappear. While the incision scars from the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure are permanent, the only way to have excess skin removed is to accept scars. the more excess skin you have, the more scars will be required. Most people and most scars heal very nicely. However, some don’t, and some people and some scars are far more likely to heal poorly.

Having said that, to optimise the quality of your scars and achieve the very best that your genetics allows, we recommend a post-operative scar management program. This incorporates the use of scar gels, tapes, LED treatments and massage. Further potential improvement can be achieved in some patients with skin-needling therapy.

Ultimately, following the hygiene and wound care instructions directed by our clinic specific to your needs to ensure you get the best possible scar that your genetics will provide.

For more information regarding Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) scars and the scar removal that a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can provide, please contact our clinic on 1300 373 662 or email [email protected]