Is Tummy Tuck for African-american Women Done Differently?

asked 1 year ago by HappyGirlLL in Santa Monica, ca
Latest answer by Emily Pollard, MD
Question viewed 818 times
Tags: African American, technique

I have many stretch marks and I am an african american women. How do you decided who to go to for a tummy tuck?

11 answers to Is Tummy Tuck for African-american Women Done Differently?

Tummy tuck in African American women

African American skin may heal differently, so incisions should be planned accordingly. This is the case for every patient in whom poor healing might be suspected, whatever their race. If patients have healed beautifully from a C-section, they usually heal well from a tummy tuck as well. However, if they have developed keloid scars in their breasts or adbominal area from prior surgery, it may be wise to plan a shorter scar surgery. This is especially important if the... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

Tummy tucks in African American women

The tummy tuck surgery is done the same for women of all ethnic groups. I do advise patients with darker skin tone that they may have a slightly darker scar and therefore it's important to use silicone tape and/or gel on their incisions. This helps lighten and flatten the scars and helps prevent keloids (thick scars). Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.williambrunomd.com

Postoperative scar treatment important for tummy tucks in African-American women

I have performed numerous tummy tucks (as well as other cosmetic procedures) on African-American women and do find the incidence of keloid formation very low. The procedure is performed the same. After surgery, I would strongly consider employing silicone gel sheeting over the incisions for several months to help lower the risk for the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scar formation. A skin bleaching agent is also used concurrently to help reduce the extent or risk of hyperpigmentation... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

The Ethnic Tummy Tuck

There are several ways to do a tummy tuck, and which will work best for you depends on your specific needs. Since we are all looking for a flatter belly, I do not change the way I do a tummy tuck based on ethnicity. As most doctors do, I always assume the worst and plan accordingly. Trying to make the shortest scar in the most hidden position possible, just in case we get a hypertrophic scar, is always a good idea. Postoperative care is equally important, and massage and silicone scar... more

Joseph Mele, MD
Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck and Skin of Color( African American)

I have performed many body contouring procedures on men and women of color. I assess their ability to heal based upon their family history and examining the patient's scars. My surgical plan is based upon their physique, regardless of their ethnicity. I take care not to leave stitches on the outside of the skin. After surgery, I place them on a treatment plan that will reduce the chance of unsightly scars, hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Emily Pollard, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck

The procedure is essentially the same but African American patients are at higher risk for hypertrophic scarring

David L. Abramson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck in african american women

Although there is no difference the technique of suture utilization between different ethnic groups, there are some minor considerations. African Americans and other ethnic groups with darker skin have a higher possibility of scarring with hypertrophic scars or keloids. Any persona history or family history of keloids should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the procedure so that you are aware of options to decrease these unintended consequences. Regarding you... more

Gordon Lewis, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck in African American Women

You pose 2 different questions. Tummy tucks are performed the same way regardless of the ethnic background of the patient, but that really depends on what you need. You should be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine if a tummy tuck is the right operation for you. Strechmarks below the belly button are usually improved with a tummy tuck, but sometimes liposuction is needed as well. Scarring is an issue for all patients, and care needs... more

Beverly Friedlander, MD
Short Hills Plastic Surgeon

African-American Tummy Tuck

There is no difference in techniques for tummy tucks in African-Americans, Asians, or any ethnic group. The only consideration is that hypertrophic scarring is more commonly seen among certain ethnic groups. However, an individual's personal history is much more important regarding potential scarring than is the ethnic group to which they belong.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck and African American Women

Certainly every individual has differences in their anatomy requireing slightly different surgical plans, but in general, there is no specific difference related to ethnicity.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck in African American women

The surgery is done the same for the most part no matter what your ethnicity. If you have both extra fat AND loose skin above and below your bellybutton then you really need a tummy tuck to recontour your body. The biggest variable with African American patients is the scarring. Scars tend to be thicker in some darker skin patients, but not all. The difference in my practice is that I tend to handle the tissues slightly differently in darker skin patients when I am closing the wound. ... more