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,

Most patients that decide to undergo tummy tuck surgery would say that the scar is well worth the overall improvement in body contouring, even when the scars are less than ideal. A well performed tummy tuck can place a scar that will hide quite well in most undergarments and bikinis. There really is no way to make the scars heal better or completely disappear. There are lots of scar creams, silicone sheets, oils, and topical therapies that will claim to be able to make scars heal better. But I have yet to see one that works for all people better than all the rest. If your scar ends up having a vascular component to it that makes it a bit dark early in the healing process, there are some laser treatments that can help lighten the coloration of the scar. But the end result of your scar will be based on your genetics and how well the tension is minimized with suturing techniques. 

Scars After Tummy TucksYou can place a small line on your abdomen and see how you feel about the appearance.All surgery leaves a permanent scar that can be improved with topicals and or laser.There is no other way to improve your diastsis and lax skin. Most women feel it is worth it.

Plastic surgery is a trade off. There are costs, recovery times and scars to consider. Ideally, well placed scars will fade and be almost forgotten.  During a consultation your plastic surgeon can discuss your goals with you and based on what you are hoping to achieve, can help you understand where surgical incisions will be placed and what scarring will look like short term and long term. There should never be visible scars around the belly button. Even if you are not a candidate for a new belly button, or belly button surgery, look at the scars of other patients. This is an excellent indication of the kind of  expertise of your plastic surgeon, their patience and tier attention to detail. Following surgery, many surgeons, myself included will offer complimentary V-Beam laser treatments to help speed healing and minimize scarring.  Most plastic surgeons also make  topical silicone gel treatments available to help minimize scarring. Close monitoring following surgery is imperative. If scars start start to thicken, they can be treated with steroid injection. But early treatment is key.  You don't want to wait until a scar is a problem before you begin receiving treatment. 

We use a low scar and my patients have been happy -- the excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened, giving you a much flatter better looking stomach. The scar is hidden in your underpants.

Thank you for the question.I do believe that a mini tummy tuck can improve the abdomens appearance.Dr. Campos