Where do they cut for a tummy tuck?

Question

I was told a tummy tuck and Lipo would be best for me but how is it conducted and how long is the healing.

John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tuck incisions vary somewhat depending on your anatomy, but generally I keep my incisions very low on the abdomen where a cesarean scar would be.  The incision may extend from hip to hip or sometimes longer, but it is typically hidden in a swimsuit.  Usually a small scar about the belly button is also necessary.  The trade off for these incisions is the ability to tighten your skin and abdominal muscles to get dramatic improvement in your abdominal contour.  Best of luck to you!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Generally, the
incision for a full tummy tuck will run from hip to hip, across the public
bone. This ensures that scarring is easily concealed under clothing or a
bathing suit. However, depending on your individual needs, a mini tummy tuck
may provide your desired results using a shorter incision. I recommend
scheduling an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon,
experienced in abdominoplasty and body contouring techniques. He/she can
perform a physical evaluation and discuss your desired results before creating
a surgical plan tailored to your unique needs.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello minnielama,

It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! One of the most common cosmetic surgeries patients are interested in when they come to my office is the abdominoplasty. This procedure, generally known as tummy tuck, can flatten your abdomen by removing loose, excess fat and skin and tightening muscles in the abdominal wall. One benefit that patients appreciate the most is that it can also remove the stretch marks in your lower abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery is popular following pregnancy, massive weight loss or whenever a saggy abdomen with weak muscles impairs body contour. The incision for a full abdominoplasty usually runs from hipbone to hipbone, low on the abdomen, and may be in a V-cut or U-cut shape, so that the scar can be hidden in a swimsuit. Your surgeon will determine the shape and length of the incision based on your preferences and the amount of correction you need. Scars will be reddened for 6 months, but  after that, they will fade and soften.When performed by an experienced and highly trained plastic surgeon, the abdominoplasty will result in flatter, firmer abdominal contour with narrower waistline that wouldn’t be achieved by liposuction procedures only. Typically, my patients can resume desk-type employment and regular activities, two weeks after abdominoplasty. You may be instructed to expect a longer recovery time before returning to a physically demanding job (such as general contractor, laborer, care giver, among others). Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question.   If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! My tummy tuck scar is very low, below the bikini line.  Some surgeons might be different.  I suggest you see a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns! Best of luck.Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman EstatesOakbrookOrland ParkChicago

Where do they cut for a tummy tuck?

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Where do they cut for a tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck Cut

Answer: Tummy Tuck Cut

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.