Will a tummy tuck cause previous breast implant scars to lower and can they be revised at the time of my tummy tuck? (photos)

Thank you for your question regarding whether your inframammary or under-the-breast scars will move during a tummy tuck. Based on your history and your picture, it is likely that your inframammary scars will be pulled lower during the tummy tuck procedure. This is because the skin needs to be tightened to achieve the best tummy tuck results.

Given your abdominal pictures and history, you would benefit most from a tummy tuck rather than abdominal liposuction. It is crucial to achieve optimal tightening and contouring, which a tummy tuck can provide.

Regarding the revision of your inframammary scars at the time of your tummy tuck, it is not advisable to perform both procedures simultaneously. Revising the breast surgery scars at the same time could compromise the blood flow necessary for proper healing of the tummy tuck. Instead, it is generally recommended to consider inframammary scar revision approximately six months after your tummy tuck.

Breast scar revisions can be accomplished with CO2 laser treatments or surgical procedures. However, you may find that after your tummy tuck, the position of your breast scars is acceptable and does not require further revision.

Good luck with your procedure. I hope this has answered your question regarding the potential movement of your inframammary scars during a tummy tuck and the possibility of their revision.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Hi, great questions. Based on the photos that you have provided you look like an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery to remove the excess skin on your abdomen. Your breast implants scars should not sit lower relative to your breasts following the surgery, as the abdominal tissues are not lifted off the abdominal wall as high as your inframammary fold. Typically, undermining is performed up to the costal margin only (lower border of the ribs).
I would caution against having the scars revised at the same time as having a tummy tuck, especially if your aim is to restore your scars to the inframammary fold. This is because these 2 procedures will be working against one-another (one to pull your abdominal tissues down, and the other to raise the scar to the native IMF) so you are at risk of an unsatisfactory result, including scar stretch or malposition. It is also worth considering whether your implants require revision, as they may be sitting too high, making the scar appear low. A face to face consultation would provide the means to assess your case and discuss in more detail.

The dissection for a tummy tuck typically should not go over your rib cage where your scars are. The scars will remain where they are.