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Does Less Skin Mean Shorter Tummy Tuck Scar?

asked 2 years ago by scared2death in new york, ny
Latest answer by W. Tracy Hankins, MD
Question viewed 1,382 times
Tags: scar, skin

I was told by a plastic surgeon that my tummy tuck scar would not be that long because I don't have much skin. However, I am getting a full tummy tuck. Can someone explain if the less skin you have equals the length of the scar?

4 answers to Does Less Skin Mean Shorter Tummy Tuck Scar?

+2

Length of tummy tuck scar

Hi, The incision used for an abdominoplasty basically serves 2 purposes. One, as you've already figured out, it's used to directly excise redundant skin and fat. So yes, the more loose skin you have, the longer the incision usually needs to be. Two, the incision allows your surgeon to see the entire abdominal wall. This enables him or her to tighten the abdominal wall muscles from the sternum to the pubic bone. Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Shorter tummy tuck scar

Yes, it's quite possible that a patient with less skin to be removed can achieve a shorter scar than a patient with more redundant skin.
W. Tracy Hankins, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck scar.

I just answered your other question! Yes, even with a full abdominoplasty, less excess skin on the sides translates into a shorter scar. It's a little bit like dress making. How big are the pleats that have to be removed? Having said that, I will also tell you that the quality of the contour should never be compromised just to get a slightly shorter scar. You want a flat stomach.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Variations in Tummy Tuck Scars

Abdominal girth, skin resiliency, skin elasticity, and skin redundancy will affect the size of the abdominal scar.  Also, the amount of flank lipodystrophy can affect the presence of dog ears and the need for further revisional surgery such as liposuction.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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