10", 30+ Year Old Scar and Abdominoplasty? (photo)

Thought I could have a full tt, w/ good results, not sure now. The entire scar, can't be seen in the pic, it goes further back & angles down toward my hip. Can I have a full tt & lipo? Is mr poss. if needed? What kind of result can I expect? Will I have flat abs? Approx. where will the scar land? What about c/s scars I have 2? What are the risks? Is this an unwise choice for me? Lost sensation for long time, but it returned. Dont want a fleur-de-lis, would that make a dif? Much Appreciated!

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by camie

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Old Scars and Abdominoplasty

In a standard abdominoplasty, the low horizontal incision is just above the pubic region, so the skin is elevated upward and relies on blood supply coming from the upper abdomen.Theoretically, an old gallbladder surgery incisional scar in the right upper quadrant could interfere with some of that circulation putting the lower abdominal skin at risk for poor healing. However, with the passage of time, alternate blood vessels seem to grow in to nourish this area, so your old scar should... more

Challenging Tummy Tuck

I've done many cases similar to yours and have never had an issue with skin survival as long as a substantial period of time has passed between the original surgery and the tummy tuck. The greatest potential downside is that the lower abdominal scar may not be as low as we normally try to place it because we would be removing the entire old scar. I agree that a Fleur-de-lis procedure is unnecessary and would not provide any advantages! The good news is that a tummy tuck can... more

30+ Year Old Scar and Abdominoplasty

These right subcostal incisions from removing gall bladders used to be quite common, but now with the advent of laparoscopic surgery they are far less often seen. The incision does add some amount of risk to the blood flow, but not too much. TT were done on many patients with this incision in the past. The C-section incision adds no hazard. The TT incision will be at or below the level of those incisions. The usual expectation is numbness that improves, though not to normal, over... more

Tummy tuck with that scar

As usual, an in-person consult with a BC PS is your first step. That scar on the right may complicate the surgical plan, but you can still get a nice result. Best of luck to you. The c/s scars likely will be cut out.

Tummy tuck in non-virgin abdomen

That's what an abdomen with prior surgery is called. The answer is that it will not disqualify you from having a tummy tuck but will make the dissection more difficult. You don't need a fleur de lys approach. The abdominoplasty will tighten your musculature and improve your cosmetic appearance but an exam would be necessary to comment on scar placement. See a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced and well-recommended for tummy tucks. So many patients have had gall bladder... more

Tummy tuck revision with scars

You can absolutely improve your abdominal contours and lower tummy scars with a revision abdominoplasty. The scar from your gallbladder surgery is mature enough that it poses only a slight additional risk. Make sure you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with revision surgery.

Tummy Tuck and Previous Abdominal Scars?

Thank you for the question and picture. Your previous C-section scars will not pose a problem when you undergo tummy tuck surgery. However, the scar along the right upper quadrant of your abdomen may expose you to additional risks. There are certain maneuvers that can be performed to help minimize the risks associated with the previous upper abdominal wall scars. The good news is that after 30 years, there is a good chance much of the blood flow around the... more

Old scars do pose a problem with tummy tucks

What a great question! Since the advent of laproscopic surgery over 20 years ago we rarely see the old right upper quadrant scar associated with an open cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). Gall bladders are now removed with small incisions and video cameras. Old scars on the abdomen do pose a problem in planning a tummy tuck. They interfere with the blood supply that is necessary to keep the skin alive with a tummy tuck procedure. Every tummy tuck procedure is... more

Tummy tuck and prior abdominal scar

Dear Camie, Your upper abdominal scar does pose a challenge in your abdominoplasty plan. Depending on your examination, it may be removed if you have enough laxity above, otherwise minimal undermining needs o be performed below the scar to keep the skin alive. Either way you won't need a fleur de lis abdominoplasty. Best of luck.

That old scar on your abdomen is an important consideration in how the tummy tuck is performed

I agree with you that the fleur-de-lis scar is not a good option. I never use it. Your old abdominal scar (gall bladder removal?) is a problem. It cuts off the blood supply just below the scar so that if you have a normal full tummy tuck, you are likely to have a complication with skin loss just below this scar, which you don't want, obviously. Another option, however, is including that scar in the skin removed by the tummy tuck. The disadvantage is that... more

Low right subcostal scar options

Hello, Thank you for the question and photo. Your current right subcostal scar is in an awkward position with regards to tummy tuck surgery. You do have several options each with their own advantages and disadvantages. On option is to have a full tummy tuck with an incision very low near your pubic bone, muscle tightening, and liposuction of the flanks as needed. This option puts you at risk for some healing issues of the tissue just below the scar since it is... more

Hello

Without an exam it will be very hard to give you accurate advice. From your picture it does look like you would benefit from a tummy tuck. Removing the old C-section scars and giving you a flatter tummy. Good luck