Hiding or Concealing Incisions and Scars from tummy tuck: styles and fashion change

The scars for a tummy tuck depend on the placement of the original incisions. The designs vary tremedously and depend on surgeon's experience, preference as well as the patient's anatomy and existing scars.

I tell patients to bring in a desired garment that they would like to wear after surgery to help guide me in designing the incisions at the time of surgery.

It is important to remember that styles and fashions change. In the 60s we use to use a very low incision . This was because "hip huggers" and tankini boy short type bikinis were popular. In the 80s, the "French Cut" bikini became popular and the incisions on  the thighs became popular so we raised the ends of the scar. Now the "low rider" jeans are popular and the ends of the incisions can be visible.

The tummy tuck procedure has become very popular over the past several years, both by patients who have completed their families, and by those who have succeeded in weight loss programs. The goal of tummy tuck is to repair the muscle foundation and support of the abdomen, and to remove skin excess to contour the abdomen. There are usually two scars to contend with, one around the belly button and the second which lies low across the pelvis. This lower scar will lie close the a typical C-section scar line, and is longer by two thirds.

The tummy tuck scar line in designed to be covered by underpants and swim suits. Sometimes a patient will wear a particular style and will bring their clothing or suit along when planning where the scar line will be. As the cut for jeans has been lowered, so too the scar line for tummy tuck has been lowered, and become shorter if possible. Make sure that your surgeon is artful and will work with you for your particular lifestyle needs. Also patients are very particular about the belly button scar and it is helpful to check out typical results on you surgeons website to ensure care is taken in this area as well.

Overall despite the low scar patients are thrilled with the smoothness and improved contours that tummy tuck provides, and if well planned the scar should be hidden under underpants and bathing suits.

Best of luck,

peterejohnsonmd

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Patients that undergo abdominoplasty surgery are very satisfied.  The reduction/removal of unwanted skin redundancy and stretch marks is rewarding.  However, it comes at the price of scars. 

Although they are low on the abdomen (bikini line/C-section), it is impossible for them to be absent.

Depending on the patent's anatomy, a shorter mini incision is indicated, or a longer hip to hip is needed.  This would be decided at the first office consult.

Often rectus muscle tightening is done in concert with the skin removal and flank liposuction.  This can be done with any length incision.

The incisions are closed in multiple layers to reduce tension on skin edge.  Then it is up to mother nature to heal.

Hope this helps.

The main trade-off for a significantly improved abdominal shape is the scar. Anytime you get a cut on your skin you will have a scar. Scars are a natural part of healing. If you think about it - your very first scar in life is your belly button. We all have it so we are not bothered by it. Most scars heal well and the tummy tuck scars are placed low enough to be covered by most underwear or bathing suits - depends on how thin the bikini is. You bascially have to decide whether it is worth it for you - shape vs scar. You can have your surgeon draw the scar on your skin to see if it is acceptable to you.

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