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Which Is Better For Tummy Tuck Scars, U-shaped or W-shaped?

asked 9 months ago by PhillyMom in Philadelphia suburbs
Latest answer by Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Question viewed 402 times
Tags: scar tissue, style

I am having a Tummy Tuck and noticed in my research that there appear to be two slightly different types of scars: one that is U-shaped, like a smile running from hip-to-hip reaching a low point at the pubis, and one that is more of a W-shape, like the other but rising slightly at the pubis. Is there a difference in the procedure, healing or outcome/final result between these two types of scars? Is one better or easier to perform...? Just curious. Thanks!

13 answers to Which Is Better For Tummy Tuck Scars, U-shaped or W-shaped?

Best Tummy Tuck Scar

The eventual shape of the scar depends on many factors, including the tension on the tissues and how you heal. I make almost all of my incisions in the form of a ”W.” However, after healing, they usually look more like a “U.” The reason for using the “W” shaped incision is simple. Usually there is a significant amount of tension put on the incision at the pubis. If one makes an incision entirely above the pubic hairline, the pubic hair pulls up onto the... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck scars

I usually use a "U" shaped scar. However I also recommend and have my patients bring to the day of surgery the smallest bottom they would ever wear "in public". Usually a bikini bottom. In this way I can try to plan my final scar around this bottom. No Promises because as you heal the scar will shift and settle. I always plan lower than higher. If you already have a "C" section scar your surgeon may plan around this scar.

Stephen A. Chidyllo, MD
Red Bank Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck scar

In general the “U” shape scar seems to work best in regards to concealment in clothing and in natural body creases. There is no difference in the procedure, healing, the final outcome. Thanks for the question. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Scar pattern for abdominoplasty

I prefer a lower "U" shaped incision. It is more easily concealed in swimwear and leaves a more pleasing proportions between your pubic hairline and your navel. Best wishes

Craig Harrison, MD
Tyler Plastic Surgeon

"U" versus "W" scar for a tummy tuck

My preference which is total consensus with the other plastic surgeon respondents is for a form of a "U" for many reasons. Each patient may have a slightly different configuration of it based on their own unique anatomy. The key is to keep the scar low enough so that it would be as inconspicuous as possible with most clothes. The "W" scar is a more stylized and not "anatomically correct/precise" approach though good results can be obtained. Neither of these... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

U or W for Tummy Tuck Scar?

"U" definitely - at least as far as I'm concerned. I am still not sure of why anyone would use a "W" at all, not that there is anything wrong with it. I prefer to have the bottom part of the u be as low as possible, no more than 7-9 cm below above the junction of the labia. That way you can hopefully wear lower bathing suits. The only issue with this is that you need to have enough extra skin from above the belly button that will reach all the way down. Most women... more

Ronald Schuster, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.drschuster.com

U-shaped tumy tuck scar is aesthetically better, but W-scar is not "wrong."

The W-shaped scar was designed to minimize excessive tightness in the suprapubic area, which is the tightest point in a tummy tuck. Since many of us prefer the U-shaped scar and routinely use it in all of our tummy tuck patients, the W-shape is not "necessary," but may be so in the minds of come plastic surgeons who trained with this technique and have developed its use as a habit or routine. When it fades, either scar is minimally noticeable, but the U-shaped scar is virtually... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

W vs U scar for tummy tuck

The healing is no different with either incision. Most patients want the lower more concealed U scar. Donald R. Nunn Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

For Tummy Tucks, I prefer a low "U-Shape" scar

For tummy tucks I prefer to keep the incision (and the subsequent scar) low and hidden. The scar should be hidden beneath underwear and bathing suits. As fashions have changes, so too have my incisions. Pant and bathing suits are getting lower, and an old fashioned "French Cut" scar that goes high on the hip bone is no longer easily hidden. The "U-Shape" incision keeps the scar low in the middle and in my opinion is easier to hide than a "W-shape" incision that... more

Matthew Schulman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Scar shape after tummy tuck, U or W

The shape of the scar can be a matter of a surgeons preference, though we prefer the low U shape which conceals the scar over the pubis, you may still see some W's out there where the scar will come up over the top of the pubis. The W can work for some and is an older technique, though most feel that the low U is aesthetically better. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Abdominoplasty scar placement is up to you.

I recommend that the patient bring in a bikini bottom to the office, and I mark the outline of the garment. I then design an incision to be placed inside of these marks, to hide the scar as much as possible. The 'W" scar is more difficult to hide, however I leave the decision up to the patient.

William Loutfy, MD
Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon

acfps.com

Tummy Tuck Scars

There is not a one-size-fits-all scar for tummy tuck / abdominoplasty. Rather, the incision should be chosen based on your individual anatomy. If you post pictures, we can give you more specific advice. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Tummy tuck, Abdominoplasty, scars

There is no difference in the surgery, healing or ease of procedure, only the shape of the scar. The U scar follows natural skin lines and keeps the hairline low, which is what my patients seem to prefer. The W looks quite unnatural but if the scar fades well it probably doesn't matter other than it takes the hairline higher. With laser removal of hair that may no longer be an issue.