Is the tummy tuck scar worth the result? (Photos)

A short scar tummy tuck would remove loose skin, tighten the muscles, and remove the stretchmarks below the navel with a scar not much longer than the one you already have.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy
tucks and body contouring procedures each year. Then look at the
plastic surgeon's
website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can
deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

The decision to have plastic surgery can only be made by you and you alone.  From you photos, you seem to be very fit with well developed abdominal muscles.  It is understandable that the excess skin would be bothersome to you.  The tummy tuck incision would be concealed below the bikini line. I recommend that my patient's bring the style of bikini with them on the day of surgery to be sure that the incision will be as low as they want it. The incision around the umbilicus as well as the incision below the bikini line can be treated with topical scar modulators begininning 10 days following surgery.  These scar modulators work very well. It is important to remember that scars lighten from pink to white over time and are much less noticeable after 7-9 months.

Thank you for your question and posting very appropriate pictures. You seem to be a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck. In this procedure your fascial diastasis as well as umbilical hernia can be addressed with the removal of your lower abdominal extra skin with an incision similar to the size of you C-section scar which is concealed in a bikini. Scars do fade over time and we have a special special scar treatment protocol in the office using topicals and lasers to minimize any scarring.

Your question is a common concern for patients who are considering a tummy tuck. My patients who choose to go forward with surgery understand that they are trading a scar for a flat stomach in addition to getting rid of their pooch, excess skin, and "muffin top." They also receive a "new" belly button. Typically the tummy tuck scar runs from hipbone to hipbone, but it should be placed far enough below the navel (belly button) to be hidden when wearing a bikini. Our patients are given silicone sheeting to place on top of the length of the scar to help with healing. If you are still concerned about your scar after six weeks, there are ways to minimize the thickness and color with phototherapy laser treatments. This will not get rid of the scar, but it will fade it if it is still red, and it will help decrease the "ropiness" of the scar if it is thick. You should be able to ask your surgeon what options he or she suggests as well. A plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is best qualified to do this surgery, especially one with years of experience. Viewing his/her patients' before and after photos should also help you with your concerns. Good luck with your decision!

A tummy tuck will address the excess skin above the belly button, the diastasis recti and protruding belly button.  The protrusion in your umbilicus may be a hernia.  The tummy tuck will tighten your skin and muscles. The abdomen would be flat, with a better appearance.  Essentially, you would be trading a scar of loose muscle and skin for a thin, hairline scar above the pubic area extending to approximately the hip bone area.  The length of the scar is solely dependent on the size of the person and amount of skin needed to be removed.  There are certainly scar treatments that are recommended, usually at three weeks following surgery and continued to six months.  The scar therapy will help the scar to fade and remain flat.If I can be of further assistance, please call my office.Thank you,