What Does the Abdominoplasty Look Like when 6" Gallbladder Scar Above Belly button? (photo)

20 years ago, I had my gall bladder removed through a 6" horizontal scar 3" above my belly button. Now I've lost 100lbs and want a tummy tuck or body lift. Some surgeons say I need a different procedure or it'll look different or something. I thought of the fleur de leeigh vertical scar to pull it all into the middle. There is some concerns about blood supply. Any comments would be appreciated because I'm getting different messages.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by 50sgirl in british columbia canada

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (1)

Abdominoplasty is all about blood supply and healing.

Scars, such as the one in the photo, can compromise the blood supply to the abdominal skin and create healing problems if a standard abdominoplasty is done. Modifying the approach with limited undermining is one approach that can work, but I have seen some major healing difficulties with it, even in 30 year-old scars. Three other aprocahes can be considered: The first is a mid-abdominoplasty at the level of the currrent scar. This can achieve good healing, but the... more

I'm not going to tell you that you can't have a tummy tuck but the large scar does present problems.

Thank you for your question and the photos. I'm not going to tell you that you can't have a tummy tuck but the large scar does present problems. The technique will have to be modifed by the surgeon to prevent serious complications with wound healing and possible tissue loss. To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery. I hope this helps. more

Surgical Scars and Tummy Tuck

Your abdomen presents problems with producing a predictable results especially concerning healing. Whether a traditional full abdominoplasty is done depends on whether that long scar can be removed with the excess tissue for an abdominoplasty. Please careful choose whether you have the procedure. Dr. ES

Tummy Tuck and Previous Abdominal Scar?

Thank you for the question and pictures. You have been receiving good advice; tummy tuck surgery in your case can be potentially dangerous given the presence of the long transverse scar 3 inches above your umbilicus. A limited undermining tummy tuck operation ( with the standard transverse incision) will be your best bet. Unlike the other responders, I do not think that the previous cholecystectomy scar will be removed during a tummy tuck operation (given its relatively high... more

What Does the Abdominoplasty Look Like when 6" Gallbladder Scar Above Belly button?

Thanks for the question. It is an important one. Over the last 30 years I have done many standard abdominoplasties in patients with large gallbladder scars, AS LONG AS the scars were at least 10 years old and I have had no problems. Because your scar is lower than most and you have a dramatic skin excess, I'm pretty sure the gallbladder scar would be removed with the abdominoplasty and should not pose any concerns. However, it would take an exam to confirm that. Just make sure you are seeing... more

Fleur de lys modified tummy tuck looks like excellent option for you.

Hi. You can certainly have a tummy tuck. The key is to do a "minimal undermining" operation (without lifting the skin) to preserve the blood supply. About two thirds of your gallbladder scar can be removed.

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Comments (1)

50sgirl 18 Sep 2012

I got my body lift and the surgeons cut out the gallbladder scar, making it the top incision point. I have a scar which forms a curve over my belly button and curves down to either hip...of course, it's visible but so was the gallbladder scar, which was narly and now Gone! I'm very happy with the results.

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