Why are some Tummy Tuck scar curved while some are "W" in shape ?

The placement and shape of scar is usually up to the surgeon's preference which should be discussed with the patient before surgery. I generally prefer the supra-pubic scar to be as low as possible, which ends up making the side scars look a little more angled. But I think it looks better in bathing suits and lingerie. I'm not a fan of the "W" shape.

It
depends on where the scar is to be placed and this is dependent upon the patient’s
amount of loose skin and other preexisting issues.When it is lower it can end up being a W
shape. Overall incision placement is surgeon dependent.You can discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon
at the time of your consultation.

Most good tummy tuck scars should be low and have a gentle curve to them. The ones that look like a "W" likely were closed under excess tension which created the notch at the center of the incision which ends up appearing like a "W". Ask to see lots of before and after photos of your surgeon's tummy tuck patients to get a good idea of what scar to expect.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

The "W" incision was introduced many years ago to lengthen the bottom incision and reduce the disparity in length between the top incision and the bottom incision. In my opinion, it rarely resulted in an excellent post operative scar/result. Most attentive plastic surgeons do not do it anymore. A low curvilinear incision looks best. Progressive tension suturing is a technique that helps lower the incision and take tension off that incision to give a better overall result.

The placement of the scar and the creation of the opening for the belly button are two of the most important aspect of a tummy tuck procedure.  As the scar goes, it is entirely surgeon dictated and preference to where it is placed and the shape that it takes.  Once any cosmetic surgery is performed, it is always more difficult to fix things that it is to get it done right the first time.  The scar can be lowered, but often it is not to the extent that it could have been done the first time around.When looking for a surgeon, make sure your surgeon is board certified plastic surgeon and take a good look at the before and after photos for tummy tucks taking care to pay special attention to scar placement and umbilicus.Good luck.

Hello,The W shape is usually due to the pubic tissue being pulled up more than the skin above the thighs.  This occurs because pubic tissue is very mobile. Surgeons that account for that mobility preoperatively don't get that shape. Actually, once an incision is made it is difficult to lower, unless there is more laxity in the abdominal skin, which is uncommon.  That is why it's important to have a very low incision in the first place. Best of luck!

Depending on the amount of tension the lower abdominal scar may or may not be able to be refined. Check with revision experts as to your specific issue 

I place the scar so that the entirety of the scar is low.  A scar can usually be revised to lower it further.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Different techniques will result in different scars. Scars can be revised and lowered after you have healed.

The difference betwenn the W scar and the curved scar is the type of incision and the technique used for the tummy tuck. Both give good results, however I prefer to use the curved scar because it tends to stay lower meaning it will be covered by most bikinis. If the scar is placed too high, it can be lowered but this is limited by the amount of skin laxity that is present, so this would require an examination to determine just how low the scar could be moved.