Is a vertical scar where the old belly button was common if there isn't enough skin to cut off?

Thank you for your question.  In the majority of patients this vertical scar can be avoided with a full tummy tuck.  If there is not enough skin to cut off patient's may be a better liposuction or mini-tummy tuck candidate, but only an in-person evaluation can determine this.  Hope that this helps.

It is very uncommon to need to leave a vertical scar when using the a No-Drain tummy tuck procedure using a special technique know as progressive tension sutures. This technique allows for advancement of the abdominal skin more than with traditional tummy tucks and thus it is extremely rare to have to leave a vertical scar in my practice. However, on a rare occasion if your skin is not very loose and it does not stretch much it could still be necessary. Pictures may be helpful to better answer your question, however and in person examination is best. I hope this helps and best wishes. 

In general, this is very unusual in my practice.  The operation should be tailored to your specifications and anatomy to produce a dramatic result. Seek out a plastic surgeon who has performed these combination procedures hundreds of times and has a great number of reviews and before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA