Are you concerned about what your tummy tuck incision is going to look like after healing?
Many patients who are excellent candidates for tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty) are highly concerned about scarring after surgery.
And while this is certainly normal and to be expected, when discussing scarring, it’s also important to talk about the pros and cons of tummy tuck surgery in general.
For Most, Tummy Tuck Scars Are Worth It
Yes, tummy tuck surgery does require significant incisions in the abdominal area. Therefore, you’re going to have scars after surgery. This is inevitable.
However, think about the benefits you’re receiving from this procedure. Most patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck have a lot of extra skin on their stomachs, and it bothers them on a daily basis. They may have trouble finding clothes that fit and feel comfortable. They may have struggles with intimacy. Sometimes, they avoid certain activities or events simply because they feel self-conscious about their extra skin and fat.
If you are experiencing feelings like this, these are true drawbacks to your quality of life. Tummy tuck surgery can get rid of the excess skin, get rid of stubborn unwanted fat in the abdominal region, tighten your abdominal muscles, and give you a new lease on life. Even though there will be some scarring, it should be minimal, and you’re going to have so many wonderful benefits to look forward to.
What Do Scars After Tummy Tucks Look Like?
Tummy tuck patients typically describe their initial standard tummy tuck incision sites as red, raised, and swollen. You can look up tummy tuck incision opening pictures to see examples.
After several weeks, however, once your drainage tubes have been removed and the abdominal wall is less swollen, you’ll notice that your incision sites are closing up, flattening out, and hopefully beginning to fade. Over time, the incision sites should fade even more and flatten so that they are flush with the surrounding skin.
This goes for basically all scars made when removing excess skin. However, it’s important to note that different incisions are required for different types of tummy tuck surgery.
Full Tummy Tuck Scars
The full tummy tuck procedure requires a lower lateral incision made at the bikini line (hip to hip) and an incision around the belly button.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck Scars
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck requires a lower lateral incision made at the bikini line and a vertical incision along the center of the abdomen.
Reverse Tummy Tuck Scars
A reverse tummy tuck incision requires an incision made below the breasts in the breast crease.
Extended Tummy Tuck Scars
An extended tummy tuck requires an incision to be made on the lower abdomen at the bikini line as well as around the belly button. What’s notable about the extended tummy tuck is that the lower abdominal scar is longer than average so that we can remove more excess skin from the sides of the abdomen and even around to the back of the abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck Scars
A mini tummy tuck requires only a small incision to be made laterally at the bikini line. This type of incision is shorter than the average full tummy tuck incision.
Tummy Tuck Scar and Incision FAQs
Who is a good tummy tuck candidate?
The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery have a significant amount of excess skin on their abdomens. Often, this is the result of rapid and significant weight loss (though remember that tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure). Many mothers also seek tummy tuck surgery to get rid of excess skin after pregnancy.
The procedure will also get rid of a small amount of excess fat. With that said, you should be at a stable weight before surgery. Tummy tuck patients must also be non-smokers (to help guarantee a healthy healing process) and be in good physical health.
What if my tummy tuck incision becomes infected?
If the abdominal skin becomes infected at the incision site after surgery, you’ll need to contact your surgeon right away.
Plastic surgeons take careful steps to avoid infection and keep your incision areas clean and sterile. However, if you have a high persistent fever, severe swelling and redness, heat at the incision site, and intense pain, this is cause for concern. In fact, an infected tummy tuck incision is an emergency. Therefore, contact your surgeon right away if you believe something is wrong.
When can you exercise after a tummy tuck procedure?
Most patients are able to exercise after tummy tuck surgery at about the six-week mark. Start out slowly. Also note that timing varies, so always consult with your surgeon.
Set Up a Consultation Appointment Today
At your consultation appointment, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice will talk to you about your medical history, your desired outcome, and other prerequisites for undergoing this procedure. She will also perform a short physical examination to assess the amount of excess skin you have on your upper and lower abdomen and around your trunk.
If you have the ideal amount of sagging skin to qualify for this plastic surgery, Dr. Rice will then move to explaining tummy tuck preparation, booking your actual operation appointment, and assessing the estimated cost.
To get the process started, we invite you to call our office today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Dahlia Rice.
