Tummy Tuck: Q&A
Ask a Question
How Big is the Tummy Tuck Scar?
Where does the scar appear after surgery?
Tags:
46 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
anon
+3
Size of scars are less with mini tummy tuck than full abdominoplasty
The size and location of tummy tuck
scars
depends on the type of surgery and the skill of your board certified
plastic surgeon
.
Typically both procedures have a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen whoich cna be placed low at the level of the pubic hair.
The mini tummy tuck scar can often be designed to be hidden beneath a bikini line.
Full abdominoplasty requires a scar around the belly button and the lower scar is often extended out to the sides to the hip area, but the lower scar can...
more
+2
Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy Tuck scars are planned to be below the panty or bikini line, just above the pubic hair line.
The length depends upon how much skin laxity exists: the more skin and fat to be removed, the longer the incision will need to be.
+2
Abdominoplasty scars depend on the amount of skin being resected
Most patients are understandably concerned about the incision and resultant scar required for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The answer is that it depends on the amount of skin being resected. If you are very thin and just have a moderate amount of loose skin around your belly button and below, then your scar will likely be very small - usually in your natural skin crease extending from one hip bone to the other. However, if you are larger and have skin rolls that extend around to your...
more
You might also like...
Real Stories
I was thinking about changing my screen name to RS stalker lol I am a 34 yr old mother of 4...
+1
There are 6 things to know about length of the scar when having a tummy tuck.
There are 6 things to know about length of the scar when having a tummy tuck.
1. Mini tummy tuck scars are generally shorter than full a full tummy tuck.
2. A longer scar does not necessarily mean a better result
3. The placement on the body of the incision is more important in terms of hiding it than the length of the scar, so bring your swim suit in to your surgeon when planning the surgery.
4. In general, the incision...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scar
Scar are usually located in a bikini line so it can be hidden. The traditional length is from hip to hip but most surgeons will keep them shrter depending upon the amount of tissue to resect.
Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1
Tummy tuck scar
The length of the scar is directly depended on how far the skin hangs over your waist line when you sit or bend forward. If it extends laterally toward your hip bones the incision will have to extend that far to address the lax skin. If not,you will have extra skin after surgery, referred to as to as "dog ears"
+1
Tummy Tuck Scar Size Varies
Questions about the size of the scar are common as you can imagine. The answer varies depending on the extent of the tummy tuck. here are a list of the various tummy tuck procedures and who they are best suited for:
There are variations of the standard operation, including “mini-tucks”, which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin with a scar at the pubic hairline. On the other extreme,...
more
+1
Abdominoplasty Scarring
I don't want to frighten you, but most lifts leave you with scars. It, in part, depends on how much sagging skin you have. There are many things surgeons do to improve a scar's appearance. Today, we suture almost every incision under the skin, leaving no stitch marks or "railroad tracks." Working with the patient, a surgeon can also best determine the positioning of most scars.
Before surgery, find out what kind of sutures your doctor favors: Some use traditional...
more
+1
How Big is the Tummy Tuck Scar?
The scar for a full tummy tuck is placed low, beneath a bathing suit line, and it generally runs from one hip bone to the other. Sometimes it is shorter, sometimes it is longer, and this depends on how much loose skin someone has and therefore how much skin will need to be advanced and trimmed. Trying to make the scar too short will lead to "dog ears" or bulges on either end, and a patient will invariably come back to have those removed, which extends the scar back out to the...
more
+1
Location of tummy tuck scar
The location and length of scar will depend on the location and extent of your excess skin and fat. However, the scar can typically be hidden under your bikini line. Tummy tuck is a great procedure to contour the abdomen. Patients have to accept some degree of scar for a better contour. A good news is that most people heal very well for the tummy tuck scar and the scar is often times hidden.
+1
Tummy tuck scars
For a tummy tuck alone, patients will have a small scar around the belly button, as well as a lower sideways scar that extends from hip to hip. This second scar is curved and looks a bit like a smiley face. The length of this scar is really determined by the amount of excess abdominal skin: the more skin excess there is, the longer the scar is going to be. Typically the scars for a tummy tuck are well hidden, and are only visible without clothing.
more
+1
Scar location for tummy tuck
The location of the scar and the length of the scar will depend on your individual anatomy, ie how lax your skin is and how far out to the side the excess skin goes. For small amounts of skin excess and minimal laxity, a mini tummy tuck can be sufficient where the scar is just above your pubic hair and only goes partially across your lower abdomen. As the laxity and skin excess increase, the position of the scar will still be low on your abdomen, just above your pubic...
more
+1
Incisions from A Tummy Tuck!
The ultimate goal of the tummy tuck incision is to have it located above the pubic line. Typically the incisions will go from hip to hip. Most surgeons want to keep the line hidden around the bikini line.
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1
How long is the "scar"
Each person is different. On the average a full tummy tuck scar will extend from hip to hip. The quality of the resulting scar is also individual. The most important aspects of the scar is not the length, but where it is placed. The Bikini Tummy Tuck places the scar in an ideal place to wear a neutral bikini or the fashionable "hip hugger" pants. A natural looking belly button is also an extremely important element of this procedure.
+1
Scars after tummy tuck
Usually, the scar is beneath a bikini bottom, above your mons pubis in the midline extending to each side in the region of your bony prominences known as the anterior superior iliac spines. Some surgeons extend the scar longer to remove more skin, and this may be necessary depending on the distribution of your excess skin. You should see photos of your surgeon's previous abdominoplasty scars to understand where to expect yours, and ask him or her if there is any uncertainty....
more
+1
Tummy Tuck Surgery- Size and Location of Scars
Try bending over at your waist in front of a mirror.
Grasp the excessive skin in your central abdomen.
Follow it outward along your waist line to your hips.
Incisions are kept very low in the middle or just above the pubic hair line and extends outward on both sides as far as your skin roll extends.
+1
Tummy Tuck scar
The length of the scar for a tummy tuck depends on the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be excised. For most women a "full" tummy tuck is required and the incisions span from approximately hip to hip and also around the belly button. The scar would be located low in the pubic area, even below a preexisting c-section scar, and is covered by a majority of bathing suites and underwear. Most plastic...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars
The scarring after a tummy tuck depends entirely on the type of tummy tuck you have done. A mini-tummy-tuck (which is not right for most women) leaves a scar only on the lower abdomen. A full tummy tuck leaves a scar on the lower abdomen and around the belly button. The length of the scar along the lower abdomen depends on how much loose skin you have---the scar needs to be as long as the scar needs to be to remove the loose skin and not leave puckering on the ends....
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars
Scars for a tummy tuck vary but in general will lie just above the pubic hair line and can extend from hip to hip. The length of the scar will be determined by how much extra skin needs to be removed. The more skin that needs to be removed, the longer the scar. There will also be a scar around the belly button if a full tummy tuck is needed. In my practice in Plano, I will have my patients wear their usual style of underwear so that I can try and hide the lower...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars
The location of the incision and resulting scar of a tummy tuck should be reviewed carefully with your surgeon prior to surgery. Generally the scar will be quite low, just above the pubic hair, and extend from one hip to the other. I typically will have patients wear normal underwear or swimwear the day of surgery so that an outline can be made then the incision is made within the boundaries of the undergarment. Some patients will have a natural crease which will be used to...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars
A standard tummy tuck will usually leave a scar from hip to hip under the panty line. There are several different types of tummy tucks and each leave a different looking scar. A mini tummy tuck will leave a small incision on the pubic bone and can be very easily concealed beneath the panty line. This procedure is ideal for women who have a localized section in the front of their abdomen that is stubborn to tightening with diet and exercise after having children or weight loss. There is also...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars
Depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it (whether it be a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck), the tummy tuck scar can extend from hip to hip. The incision will be placed just above the pubic hair line. With time, this scar will fade and become lighter .
+1
Tummy Tuck Surgery
A goal of the tummy tuck operation is to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen area. The amount of loose and extra skin varies depending on the weight and size of the patient. The scar is placed as low as possible and continues across the abdomen area. The length of the scar depends on how much skin is needed to be removed. It is very important to have the correct operation and scar placement. I have my patients come the day before surgery and...
more
+1
Length of a tummy tuck scar
The major determinant of scar length for a tummy tuck is the degree of loose skin a person has. A patient with more excess skin (such as a major weight loss patient) will have a longer incision than the petite, thin, mother of one who has only a small amount of skin laxity.
+1
Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy tuck scars very from patient to patient depending on the degree of excess skin to be removed. An incision is made from hip to hip low enough to be hidden by underwear or a bikini (again length varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed). Another incision is made to re-create the belly button, except in the case of a mini tummy tuck.
All incisions result in scars; however, there are several ways to minimize scars including: refraining from smoking, following your...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scar depends on the amount of extra skin a patient has
The length of a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty incision depends on the amount of extra skin a patient has. That is, literally, the only determinant of the length of the incision. Patients with a very large amount of loose skin will have longer scars.
If a patient has a very small amount of loose skin, and primarily if the loose skin is found below the belly button, she may be able to do what is called a "mini-tummy tuck". The difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy...
more
+1
Tummy Tuck scar location
A full tummy tuck removes the excess lower skin from just above the belly button to the pubic bone, along with the fat under the skin while stretching the upper skin. The resulting scar is necessary to allow the skin to be smooth when it is sewed together, so it will usually stretch low from hip to hip.
However, the scar is low enough to be hidden under your swimsuit - even a bikini! The belly button is left on the underlying muscle and brought out through a window in...
more
+1
Tummy Tuck Scar - Individualized
A tummy tuck scar really does vary from patient to patient, and it all depends on what the goal of the surgery is. Some women need a very long ( hip to hip) scar to address all of their excess skin/fat, while others need only a shorter scar if their excess is more centralized. Regardless of who the patient is, the goal is always to keep the scar as low as possible, so that it can still hide in underwear or a bathing suit. This is not always possible, but every effort should...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars vary in length
The position of tummy tuck scars changes with the fashions of the day- but the length of your tummy tuck scar will depend on the amount and lateral extent of skin laxity that you present with. If you've got skin laxity above and below your belly button and from 'hip to hip' you looking at a scar that will be placed low on your pelvis and extend across the junction of thigh and pelvis, swing up slightly and round the corner below your hip bone.
+1
Design your own tummy tuck scar
When we perform tummy tucks, we emphasize to the patient that our first priority is to achieve a beautiful abdomen that you will be happy with and will not be self conscious when using a bikini. Our next priority is to hide the scars as much as possible.
In my practice, the patient helps design their tummy tuck scar.
Before their surgery, the patient brings their favorite bikinis and panties and gets into multiple poses. This helps determine where we can put the scar to make sure that it...
more
+1
Scars after tummy tuck may be long but they are generally very acceptable and well hidden.
To remove skin, an incision and resulting scar is necessary. A tummy tuck removes skin and the length of the resulting scar is proportional to the amount of skin removed. In any event, the scar will traverse most of the lower abdomen. Fortunately, over time it usually ends up being inconspicuous and is placed so that it is covered by underwear or the bottom of a 2 piece bathing suit.
The navel is reconstructed in an abdominoplasty so there is a scar in that area. However, the scar can by...
more
+1
There are always 2 scars and potentially 3 associated with tummy tucks
There are three different scars potentially associated with a Tummy Tuck. The scar most patients are familiar with runs horizontally across the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic hair from essentially hip to hip. There is always a second scar, often times overlooked, around the navel. These two scars are always present after a Tummy Tuck. In certain instances there are vertical scars in addition to the horizontal scar that run in the midline at a ninety degree angle to the ...
more
+1
Scars after a tummy tuck
The scars from a tummy tuck are typically located at the bikini line and around the belly button. The length of the scar depends upon the amount of skin that needs to be removed. More skin usually means a longer scar. The skin is lifted off the abdomen and pulled downwards to this incision. The excess skin is removed giving a tighter and more appealing contour. The belly button is often times brought out through the newly placed abdominal skin and this creates a scar the belly button.
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars vary
Tummy tucks can be done in a variety of ways, but all tummy tucks will at least have a scar along the lower abdomen where you can hide it under a bikini. Most tummy tucks have another scar hidden in or around the belly button. How long the scar is depends on your body and what your goals are. Some women only need a small or "mini" incision across the bottom, and others need a long one that goes hip to hip (such as in cases of massive weight loss).
Your best bet is to consult with...
more
+1
Scars and tummy tucks
The tummy tuck scars can vary for different individuals and clothing styles. Usually the scar is kept low in the pubic region so that it is hidden in the underwear.
+1
Scar tactics for tummy tuck
Plastic surgeons are used to talking about scars but it is a scary word for patients. Of course there is no way to do a tummy tuck or most other kinds of surgery without a scar, and although plastic surgeons have techniques to minimize and hide them, they are a fact of life. The key with tummy tucks is to keep the scar low, and have it placed so that it can be concealed with swimwear. Plan on bringing a bikini bottom with you on the day of surgery so the markings can be done to place the...
more
+1
Scars for tummy tuck
Whether it is a Mini Tummy Tuck or Standard Tummy tuck, I ask My patients to bring with the the smallest bikini or the smallest underwear short of string Bikini, I mark the Bikini lines and put my scars below the bikini lines.
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1
Tummy tuck incisions
Most plasctic surgeons try their best to keep the incisions and scars hidden. Incisions are placed very low and are intended tol look like a crease. Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, the incision line could heal beautifully as long as you follow instructions carefully and see your plastic surgeon for follw-ups. I would recommend staying hunched over for atleast 4 weeks to avoid any superficial openings, especially in that central lower region. Keep the incision dry for...
more
+1
Tummy Tuck - Scar for Better Form
With tummy tuck procedures - the basic principle applies: we must accept some degree of scar to achieve the better form. Usually, the scar is placed very low down in your bikini/waist line and inside your bellu button. The scar will vary depending on your body habitus/anatomy.
+1
Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy tuck scars can vary depending on body habitus and type of tummy tuck performed. A Santa Monica Tummy Tuck positions the scar in an inferiormost location in order to hide scars within the confines of a normal bikini bottom.
+1
Tummy Tuck Scars - depends on skin excess
Every surgeon is an artist, and we each have our favorite ways to address different components of surgical procedures. We are not magicians, so everything we do has to make simple sense (if you take the time to discuss the details.) I let my patients choose the scar location, but I discuss the pros and cons of placement (typically very low these days) vs. length. One simple fact is that if you have a skin "roll" that goes past your hip bones, you are not a candidate for a...
more
+1
Tummy Tuck Scars!
Careful what you see on the internet...Visible scars above bikinis are hard to look at and cripple patients after surgery with regard to what they can and cannot wear. Speak with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about where scars are placed during surgery and where they will "ride" after surgery....a surgeon who performs a significant number of tummy tucks will have an eye and a fine-tuned system to help direct you.
Every patient has individual anatomy and individual taste in...
more
+1
Tummy tuck surgery scar size and location
Not all Tummy Tucks are created or performed the same way. Every Plastic surgeon tightens the muscles differently, lifts a sagging Mons pubis or thighs differently and even shapes the belly button differently.
The length of the transverse scar depends on how much loose skin needs to be removed and flattened. The less skin overhang, the shorter the incision / scar.
BUT every Plastic surgeon tries to hide the scar as much as possible. Personally, I ask my patients to come with the style of...
more
+1
Tummy tuck scars (abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck scars can vary tremendously depending on what needs to be repaired:
Skin
Fat
Muscle
Existing scars
Scars can vary from a few inches to circumferentially which is in effect a body lift.
The scars can lay relatively low or be placed higher.
The location of the scars can be adjusted according to your preferences and therefore you should make your surgeon aware of your desires.
+1
Tummy tuck incisions kept low
Incisions for tummy tucks are essential; it is the only way to remove the excess skin that inevitably exists. I keep the transverse (horizontal) incision very low, just above the pubic hair line, so that my patients can easily hide them with a standard bikini. I also take great care re-creating the belly-button incision, so that only half of it is visible.
+1
The scar is customized to the patient
While tummy tuck scars are lengthy, they provide the opportunity to obtain a tight flat abdomen by the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of loose muscles. The incision is across the lower abdomen and often a patient has a "built in" incision along the lower border of a roll of skin and fat in the lower abdomen. The length is as long as the extra skin folds over - no shorter and no longer.
Bottom line is that the scar is usually easily hidden in undergarments and bathing...
more
Comments (0)