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What is the Curtain Method That is Used for a Tummy Tuck So U Dont Have a Long Scar?

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scar tissue incision

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by chystelle in Hayward, CA

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Short scar tummy tuck

Maybe I'm out of the loop, but I have never heard of the so called curtain tummy tuck. Based on the other answers by my colleagues, it sound like an attempt to achieve a comparable result to a standard tummy tuck with a shorter scar. Unfortunately, most of the time these procedures are long on promises, but ultimately a dissappointment, so I would be skeptical, do your homework, see photos of the procedure and results, and get more than one opinion. remember, if it sounds too good... more

Length of scar for tummy tuck

Thank you for your question. The curtain method drapes the skin on your sides towards the center of the tummy in an effort to shorten the scar. The bottom line is if you have a lot of extra skin, then the skin can be removed and a plastic surgery closure during tummy tuck can be performed. I recommend you focus on the location and quality of the scar more so than the length. The scar will be as long as it needs to be to get rid of the extra skin. I hope this helps.

Length of scar is less important than QUALITY of the scar!

For an example of a poorly-performed tummy tuck where the surgeon tried to keep the scar short and "gathered" the skin towards the center, you should click on the link below, which includes photos a patient sent to RealSelf for help with her problem. Read not only my answer, but the others my colleagues posted. I'm not sure who is marketing the "curtain" method, but I am certain it is no substitute for quality plastic surgery performed by an experienced ABPS-certified plastic surgeon.... more

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The short scar for tummy tuck

There can be an effort during tummy tuck to draw the skin to the center of the abdomen to reduce the scar length, and to avoid a 'dogear' at the incision end. The technique is limited by the amount of skin laxity and skin elasticity. If the issue is forced the skin may pucker or wrinkle centrally. It can help keep the incision shorter, or just as long as necessary. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Curtain Method for Abdominoplasty

I am assuming that what you are referring to is the gathering or bunching of the excess skin in an attempt to make the incision shorter. While this may work if you only have a small amount of excess skin, it tends to look pulled and wrinkled if you try to bunch up too much skin. Unlike fabric, skin cannot be pleated, just bunched. If you have a really significant amount of laxity, I find that you achieve a better long term result with a slightly longer scar. While... more

Donald Griffin, MD

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Nashville Plastic Surgeon

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