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

Dear Ms. Hcoleman,Thank you for your question and information about yourself.In general:1) incisions are usually placed as low as possible.personally gave the patients bring a bathing suit bottom or panties of their choiceto ensure the placement of the incision is where they want it.2)in thin patients with long torsos and little redundant skin may require a a small vertical scar centrally located. This is where the your orginal umbilicus was located. The trade off is to have a lower horizontal scar for a temporary small vertical scar. This small vertical scar can often be resected under local anesthesia and converted/combined with the horizontal scar  9-12 months later when the skin loosens3)there are four types of abdominoplasties. A-C All have horizontal incisions and D has a significant vertical compotent.A) mini- muscle tightened below umbilicus to pubic boneB) standard- muscle tightened from breast bone to pubic boneC) extended as in standard but incision longer to excise excess skin/fat in outer thigh area D) fleur de lis- same as standard but in addtion excess skin/fat excised in a vertical directionPlease make several appointments with experienced Plastic Surgeon(s) who are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and in addition ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

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.