Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

What Determines How Low on the Abdomen a Tummy Tuck Scar Is?

Specifically, why some scars sit nicely below the underwear line and others seem much higher.

Tags:
7 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+3

How to decide where to put a tummy tuck scar

A tummy tuck scar is ideally placed low enough to be hidden by most typical low-rise jeans or bikinis.  It's quite easy to place a MINI-tummy tuck scar very low because only the loose skin below the belly button is removed.  When a FULL tummy tuck is done, though, the placement of the scar depends on how much loose skin you have around and above the belly button.  Think of it this way, we make a cut around the belly button, then pull the skin down on the abdomen and... more
+2

Position of tummy tuck scars depends on skin excess

Unless you have a substantial amount of skin excess, the tummy tuck scar won't be as low as in those who do have enough excess skin to be able to push the scar lower.  It's all about your body and your starting point.
+1

Tummy Tuck Scar Location?

Thank you for the question. The main determinant of the tummy tuck incision and resulting scar line is the patient's body type. Ideally the incision and resulting skyline is kept as little as possible, planned to be hidden beneath undergarments and swimming suit. If the patient has a significant amount of redundant skin (especially about the umbilicus) then the incision and resulting scar line of the tummy tuck may be kept very low. On the other... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Might Be Getting TT Much Sooner Than I Thought! - California, CA

I am 5'3, a mother of 4 kids 7, 5, 3.5, and almost 2, and my body has been thrashed by...

Before + After Photos

View 4292 Tummy Tuck photos
+1

Abdominal scar for tummy tuck

I think that the location of the final incision is based upon two things.  The markings for the surgery and the tension that the closure is under after the uppr flap is pulled down to the lower incision..
+1

Tummy tuck scars should always be below the bikini line

When done properly tummy tuck scars will always end up below the top of a bikini bottom. Check out your plastic surgeon's photos carefully before you pick one.
+1

Tummy tuck scar

Ideally, a tummy tuck scar should fall below the bikini line.  In patients who have moderate to severe excess skin, there is little difficulty placing the scar in the suprapubic region.  Essentially, skin from the region above the navel is relocated to the lower abdomen.  If there is not an excess amount of skin, the incision can still be placed quite low, but there may be a short vertical extension of this incision.  If you are reviewing this forum, you probably... more
+1

How low can you go? Tummy tuck incisions and scars

Generally speaking the scar can be anywhere you want it but it is more commonly placed at the level where it will allow you to completely excise the belly button scar. If you place it too low, you will have a vertical 1 inch scar midway between your scar and the new belly button. 
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok