T-cut tummy tuck really necessary? (photo)

Question

I am 5ft 5 and 130 lbs. I have always been around this size but have loose skin and stretch marks after three children. My doctor has said I have to have a T-scar. Is this really necessary? I am generally in good health and don't smoke. However, I always seem to take a while for wounds to heal....

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

There a variety of tummy tuck scars, each with their trade-offs.  Typically the longer the scar, the more skin tightening you can achieve.  Based on your photos, I would recommend the traditional tummy tuck scar where the incision is hidden in your underwear line.  If there is not enough skin to remove the entire skin between the belly button and the incision line, then you may need to a small vertical incision where the belly button hole is closed in a vertical line.  This might be the inverted "T" incision that your plastic surgeon was referring to.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A regular tummy tuck would provide you with a nice result based upon the pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures, I don't see why you would need the vertical incision for your tummy tuck.  You look like you would do well with a traditional type tummy tuck where the incision extends hip to hip across the lower portion of your abdomen and is hidden within the natural crease of the lower abdomen.  You might want to get a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and give you another perspective.

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Based on your history and photos, I assume that your surgeon is saying that he may not be able to get al the tissue below the belly button excised. When this occurs, there is a small vertical incision extending up from the transverse incision at the midline.  Many times this can be removed in a secondary operation several months later, once the tissue softens.  The need to have a vertical incision can many times only be made during surgery, once the tissue has been elevated and the surgeon can determine how much tension will be on the tissue and closure.  If there is a question based exam, I will discuss this with my patient before surgery so that they are informed of the possibility.  Discuss this with your surgeon.  Best Regards.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I am not exactly sure what your surgeon was meaning when he said a "T-scar" as there are two very different reasons to have a T-shaped scar.  Certain patients, such as those that have bariatric surgery, have excess skin and fat both up-and-down and side-to-side.  The only way to have the side-to-side excess removed is to have an incision that runs from your breast bone all the way down your stomach. You don't look to be this kind of patient.  Alternatively, at times there isn't enough skin to remove from your stomach, and the "hole" where your belly button once was, can't be removed.  In this instance you may have a small up and down incision running up from the much longer horizontal scar. This is probably more what your surgeon was considering.  Only a physical exam can help determine this.

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and question. It appears you would be a good candidate for a traditional abdominoplasty. I do not think you need a large vertical scar based on your pictures but sometimes a small vertical scar is needed at the bottom of the abdomen if the scar is placed very low and the patient does not have much loose skin. It is best that you get clarification and another consult if you wish.

Ravinder Jarial, DO · Answer

Greetings. Based on the photos provided, you should not need a T-cut.  However, you may wish to seek additional opinions from other plastic surgeons in your area. Good luck!

Andrew Jimerson, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures, it looks like you could achieve a nice result with a traditional tummy tuck.  This type of abdominoplasty would leave you with a scar around your belly button and a low scar from hip to hip in the bikini line.  I'm not sure based on your photos why a fleur-de-lis was recommended.  Perhaps a second opinion consultation is in order.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Although a photograph does not give us all the necessary information, it does not appear that you need the vertical scar component.

T-cut tummy tuck really necessary? (photo)

Answers (9)

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