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How Long Will my Incision Be with a Tummy Tuck?

asked 9 months ago by donnajo in Tyler, TX
Latest answer by Dean L. Johnston, MD
Question viewed 203 times
Tags: after pregnancy, length, scar

I have had three children and I am considering option in getting a flatter tummy. I want a minimal length of scar if possible.

14 answers to How Long Will my Incision Be with a Tummy Tuck?

+1

Scar from a Tummy Tuck

Keep in mind that a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles when necessary. The scar that results from removing the skin follows the skin crease of the lower abdomen just above the pubic area and extends outward as necessary to remove the excess. In excessive weight loss patients this can be circumferential or in smaller skin removals can extend inches on either side of the pubic area. One trick to... more
Dean L. Johnston, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck scar length

The length of the tummy tuck scar depends on the amount of excess skin you have. It is usually from hip to hip. Depending on the skin excess, it can be a little shorter or longer. A good news is that the scar is usually low on the abdomen and easily hidden under bikini. Any body contouring procedure will involve scars in order to give you a better contour. You do have to accept that there will be a low-lying scar with a flatter tummy. more
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck scar length

The length of the tummy tuck scar is determined by the amount of skin removed. For every inch of vertical height of skin removed, the scar should be approximately 3 inches long horizontally to avoid puckering. The specific length needs to be tailored to the individual patient's body. Basically, the more skin tightening you desire, the longer the scar will need to be. The scar should be positioned where it will not be visible in a bikini, if possible. more
David Stoker, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck Incision

A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure. A tummy tuck can be an effective tool for shaping and sculpting the body for better body appearance and improved self esteem. The basic principle applies in all contouring procedures: you must accept some degree of scar to achieve that much better form. The length of your scar will depend on the amount and distribution of excess skin/fat in your lower abdomen. Your plastic... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Tummy tuck Scars

I also agree that you should see a board certified plastic surgeon and once you decide who your surgeon will be, trust them to give you the best advice. I believe that most surgeons try to make the scar as short as possible without compromising the results. Usually the scar is hip to hip and yes, if someone tries to make it shorter, you most likely will end up with dog ears and will need additional surgery.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Tummy tuck scar length

All the respondents have given you good information. However, your question has not recieved a measurable length. To assess the possible length of your tummy tuck scar, sit at 45 degrees and pinch your lower abdominal skin from the midline out laterally until you have less than two inches between your thumb and index finger. Usually, this will take you out to just beyond your anterior hip bone area. Most everything behind that point will respond to liposuction. more
Ricardo Izquierdo, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Length Of Tummy Tuck Incision Varies

The length of a tummy tuck incision varies with the amount of excess skin and other variables. The typical incision which I use from anterior iliac spine(area where pelvic bone is palpable in the lower abdomen) to anterior iliac spine into the suprapubic area. Occasionally a shorter incision can be employed and sometimes when the excess skin extends farther laterally I will extend the incision. You should obtain a consultation with one or more board-certified... more
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Look at the dog ears and scar in this patient!

The patient I refer to asked the following question on this site and included photos. Search the question: Fatty Pockets and Dog Ears 1 Month PO Tummy Tuck, is This the Norm? I suggest you also search the term "dog ears" on this site. Too-short scars = dog ears = another operation. I absolutely understand your request for a "minimal scar length." But I would suggest that the length of the scar is really much less important than the quality of the scar, its location,... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

The Length of Scar For a Tummy Tuck

The long low scar for a tummy tuck is a good trade off to get tighter skin and a smoother contour of the abdominal wall. A longer scar means more excess tissue was removed. The larger skin removal can improve adjacent areas such as waistline or thighs. A shorter scar can be planned, but you may be sacrificing some of the advantages of your abdominoplasty. Discuss options with your surgeon.
Mary Lee Peters, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long is a tummy tuck scar?

Your scar should be as long as you need to get rid of the excess skin you possess. If you fail to excise or remove the skin adequately, then you will likely be back for a secondary procedure. No patient wants a scar, but very few are ever concerned once they see the improvements made to their form. Discuss this with your surgeon, but the scar is almost never an issue after surgery. Best of luck Vincent Marin, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon
Vincent P. Marin, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Length of the tummy tuck scar

Most plastic surgeons would rather keep incisions/scar as small as possible without sacrificing the result. The relative length of your incision/scar would be dependent on the amount and width of excess of your abdominal skin. It can be from hip bone to hip bone or more. If the incision is made too short for the amount of excess, you will be left with unusual skin puckering and folds that ultimately would need to be corrected in the future to provide a better appearance.
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

+1

The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin

The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. Agree with Dr's. Rosen and Aldea.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lenght of tummy tuck scar

The lenght of the scar is usually from hip bone to hip bone. I recommend you do not worry as much about the lenght of the scar. A flat tummy is the goal. The scar can be hidden within your bikini line. You can bring the bikini to the holding area before surgery and hopefully the scar can be hidden within that line. If the scar is made too short, then the surgeon may not be able to remove the proper amount of skin. Trust your surgeon.
Rick Rosen, MD

Norwalk Plastic Surgeon
+1

Long Will my Incision Be with a Tummy Tuck?

No Plastic surgeon likes long scars. The length of the Tummy Tuck scar is determined by the width of the excess skin which needs to be removed. Ben over, relax your tummy and watch the skin "pooch" overlap your privates. To remove all this excess skin and end up with a flat scar without "dog ears" at the corners the scar needs to start from the end of the skin overlap on one end to the end on the other side. Peter A Aldea, MD
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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