What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

Question

On april 23 2014 i had a mommy make over, during my pre op appointment i was told my scar would be in the bikini area that you would not be able to see it. I have been complaining about my scar from day one. On sept 10 i have an appointment to lower the scar, i am wondering how is this procedure is even done, and am i going to have to have a new belly button made again? And will i have a scar from my old belly button? Or will it not be pulled that far?

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

If the scar is too high, it can be lowered by removing skin below the scar and resuturing the wound.   I generally try to lift the skin above the scar off the abdomen so that is freely mobile and can be shifted downwards to the new scar position.  The belly button usually isn't repositioned with this, but it depends on how much skin would need to be removed.  An additional scar from the belly button hole would remain if the hole could not be removed with the extra skin.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

If a standard abdominoplasty has been performed with the scar riding too high, several technical, surgical maneuvers can be done to lower the scar.  1.  If there is sufficient excess skin, a total redo abdominoplasty can be done.2.  If it has been several years since the abdominoplasty was done, a secondary tummy tuck can be performed with an umbilical slide once the blood supply from the skin vascularizes the belly button (umbilicus).3.  Mobilizing the skin upward from the scar, and then using quilting sutures to advance the skin downward will yield a lower scar and have less chance of the scar spreading or the scar moving upward.Secondary abdominoplasties to lower a high rising scar are difficult in the best of surgical hands.  I recommend you ask these same questions of your surgeon, and postpone your surgery if you are not satisfied with the answers.

Lars Enevoldsen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you have an appointment for your surgery in two days and you are asking these questions I have to wonder why the procedure was not thoroughly explained to you by your surgeon.  You have also posted another question about the reuse of previously infected implants on the same date.  I would highly recommend you postpone your surgery and discuss these issues with your surgeon. It sounds a little sketchy to me that your surgeon plans to reuse your old implants and hasn't even explained to you how he intends to lower your tummy tuck scar and what to expect in terms of your new scar. You certainly don't want to make a bad situation even worse.  If your surgeon is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with a lot of experience in revision abdominoplasty and breast surgery you should consider going to one who is.  Good luck.Dr E

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Generally to lower the scar after and abdominoplasty significantly the skin of the abdominal wall needs to be mobilized surgically. This is done after swelling is subsided and relaxation of the skin has occurred.

Kimberly A. Henry, MD · Answer

Thank your for your question. But, an accurate answer really depends on your individual situation. It all depends if you has excess skin either above or below your scar line. This is where plastic surgery really becomes an art-form. I would discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.

What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

Answers (7)

Answer: Lowering the scar after and abdominoplasty usually requires nearly repeating the operation.

Answer: Lowering the scar after and abdominoplasty usually requires nearly repeating the operation.

Answer: What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

Answer: What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

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What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

Answers (7)

Answer: Lowering the scar after and abdominoplasty usually requires nearly repeating the operation.

Answer: Lowering the scar after and abdominoplasty usually requires nearly repeating the operation.

Answer: What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

Answer: What steps are actually taken to lower a tummy tuck scar?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.