Is there such thing as a tummy tuck with a midline incision?

Question

I have an existing midline scar from a previous surgery that stretches from sternum down to past belly button but above pelvis. If I were to ever need a tummy tuck, could it be done using a midline incision? Even if that meant extending the incision to my pelvis.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  A vertical incision does allow you to perform a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of excess skin present in a horizontal dimension - essentially narrowing your waist.  This can be combined with the traditional horizontal scar to reduce any skin excess present in a vertical dimension.  This would be termed a fleur-de-lys abdominoplasty.  Hope this helps.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Your midline scar could certainly be incorporated into a full tummy tuck.  Without pictures, it is difficult to discuss specifics in your case.  I would suggest that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and review your options with you.

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

If you have a preexisting vertical incision it can be utilized during a part of the abdominoplasty in some cases to help provide even more contour to the abdomen.  However, it would not normally be used instead of the transverse scar but may be used in addition to help provide more tightening of the silhouette.  When you see a board certified plastic surgeon then they will be able to help decide whether to incorporate your scar into the surgical plan.  Sometimes, the scar may need to be revised at a separate time if there is a chance that it could decrease the blood supply to the abdominal flap, but again that is an issue that would have to be solved by an in person consultation.  Best of luck on your journey.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

A vertical tummy tuck can be done using your existing midline scar. Whether that would produce an optimal abdominal reshaping would depend on the dimensions of your abdominal skin laxity.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. Although a tummy tuck cannot be performed solely through a vertical scar, a tummy tuck does sometimes require both a lower horizontal scar and a midline vertical scar but that procedure is usually reserved for patients with significant excess skin throughout the abdomen. For your tummy tuck to be performed adequately, your vertical scar would need to be removed and reclosed because the scar itself does not stretch and would inhibit the amount of skin that could be removed. So essentially you would undergo a scar revision with your tummy tuck. I hope this helps. I recommend that you consult with one or more board certified plastic surgeons to discuss this further as well as all of your options. Best wishes!

Andrew Gear, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck with both a vertical and horizontal excision is often used in massive weight loss patients with both horizontal and vertical skin excess and/or people with pre-existing laparotomy scars.  Due to potential tethering and blood supply issues, you will more than likely have to have that vertical scar excised.  Good luck.

Is there such thing as a tummy tuck with a midline incision?

Answers (6)

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