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I Have a Scar from a Pyloric Stenosis and my Surgeon Wants to Do a Vertical Cut for Tuck, Is this Extra Risky?

asked 6 months ago by cinderkay
Latest answer by Craig Harrison, MD
Question viewed 115 times
Tags: risk, safety

My surgeon wants to do both a horizontal and vertical cut for my tummy tuck because of a scar that I have from a pyloric stenosis procedure as a baby that is above my belly button. It would be great to get that pyloric stenosis scar revised but I am afraid of a vertical cut that will go all the way up. If it is not red but more white, then I am okay with it. Also, is there an extra risk with doing the additional vertical cut?

5 answers to I Have a Scar from a Pyloric Stenosis and my Surgeon Wants to Do a Vertical Cut for Tuck, Is this Extra Risky?

+1

Incision styles for abdominoplasty

Good question. I usually reserve the vertical incision in abdominoplasty patients for patients with significant horizontal laxity. Vertical abdominal scars can more often be unsightly than a transverse abdominal scar. Your surgeon has had the benefit of examining you. If you feel uncomfortable why not seek a second opinion? Happy New Year.
Craig Harrison, MD

Tyler Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominal scar revision possible at the time of tummy tuck

Thank you for your question. If the surgery is well-planned than any risks that you may have are minimized. Also, please keep in mind that any new scar from a scar revision goes through a period of time, 3-9 months usu., of being red before it fades to a pink and then white. I hope this helps.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vertical Scar for Tummy Tuck

A vertical scar tummy tuck is not very common but there are some occasions where it's a good choice. I hope you resubmit your question with a photograph. It is not at all unusual to see a patient for a tummytuck that has some upper abdomen scarring. I usually do a standard lower abdomen incision and pull the upper scar down with the rest of the skin.
Ronald V. DeMars, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drdemarsmd.com

+1

Vertical Scar For Abdominoplasty?

I agree with Dr. Rosen that a vertical scar should be avoided in a tummy tuck unless there is a great deal to gain from the tradeoff. Without a little more information it is difficult top give you specific advise or to know what your plastic surgeon is thinking. If you object to the new scar in the upper abdomen, it is likely your PS would use a more traditional approach for you. Make sure you communicate your concerns.
Mary Lee Peters, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar for abdominoplasty

I try to not make a vertical scar during the abdominoplasty procedure. I am not sure why you would need that without looking at photos. typically the pyloric stenosis scar is a small scar horizontal in nature in the right upper abdomen. You may want to consider a second opinion or at least show photos of your abdomen to get an opinion.
Rick Rosen, MD

Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

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