What determines the length and shape of a tummy tuck scar?

Hello. Tummy tucks are removal of skin and fat so the longer the cut around the abdomen-- more skin is being removed. The muscle repair can be done without a long cut.   The shape of the scar should always be as then as possible. Good luck

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.
Scar Management tips:Minimize tension on the scar. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas at the time of surgery to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar.  This minimizes the  stress that  can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and  delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”. In the first few weeks after surgery, I recommend the use of Embrace Scar Therapy which is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar.Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.Protect your scars from the sun. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. available in many surgeons’ offices. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc).. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected.  Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of  injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments  to treat or  prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. It is very important to discuss with your plastic surgeon how will be the resultant scars after surgery.In the Tummy Tuck the scarring is hidden in the panties line. You will change abdominal sagging skin, fat tissue and stretch marks by an aesthetically acceptable scar. Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Hello and thank you for your question. The position and length of the scar is somewhat dependent on your anatomy but also is highly dependent on the technique used by your surgeon.  There are techniques that can result in a short scar which is entirely below the bikini line.  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.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Yes- the scar depends upon your exam- where's the skin crease, how low and wide it is, etc.  The muscle repair can be done regardless of the incision.Ideally, the scar is kept very low and not too wide so it can be hidden in low cut clothing.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

The length of the scar depends on how much skin needs to be removed.  As long as the scar is carefully placed and concealable under clothing, the length is not as important as making sure it is long enough to get the proper amount of skin removed.  Muscle repair is done at the same time, but the scar length is determined more by the amount of skin to be removed.  

The amount of excess skin will determine the length of the resulting abdominoplasty scar. The shape of the scar is at the discretion of the surgeon in an attempt to provide a better camouflaged area as well as fitting the final skin edges together

If a small amount of skin and fat is to be removed, then a short scar might suffice. However, the larger the area to be removed the longer the incision has to be.

The typical factor for the length of the scar depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed. The position is usually the same - below the bikini line. Generally if you are smaller with less loose skin the incision would not be as long as if there is a significant amount of loose skin. It is advised to see a plastic surgeon with a lot of experience in tummy tuck to discuss the incision placement in detail.

Thank you for the question.   Your anatomy and the amount of loose skin and how far it extends laterally will determine the length of the scar, muscle tightening is not a factor and can be done regardless of the incision.     Usually these scars heal extremely well and the patients find the scar well worth the correction.   Best of luck