Tummy tummy with large open cholecystectomy & 8 inch scar - can I have a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Fredzsmum- your scar is quite long and appears quite tethered (attached to deeper structure) based on your photo. With a standard tummy tuck, when everything below the belly button is removed, your scar is relocated to your lower abdomen and would be in close proximity to your new tummy tuck incision. the concern with parallel scars close together is compromised blood flow to the skin between the scars. I would recommend an in-person evaluation for full evaluation as there may be alternative options for you based on your goals and desired outcomes. hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for your question. It may well be possible to perform a tummy tuck for you, but the surgical scars that you have (especially the cholecystectomy scar) will introduce some additional considerations in order to minimise the risk of wound healing problems following your surgery. The hysterectomy and appendicectomy scars are unlikely to be an issue and will likely be removed as part of your tummy tuck procedure. I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon who specialises in this procedure.

Dear fredzsmum
Many thanks for your question and sharing the photos. There is always solutions in plastic surgery for every issues. The short answer to your question is yes.
You have a realistic chance to have surgery but the exact type of abdominoplasty offered to you is based on your clinical examination during which your surgeon can assess the abdominal tissues, amount of excess skin and presence of any hernias. The more weight you lose, the potential surgery would be more possible. I hope you find this explanation useful.
Amir Sadr MD

Hello Fredzsmum,Thanks for sharing the photos. My initial instinct just looking at these limited pictures, is to say no to an abdominoplasty for you. I would be concerned about maintaining proper blood supply to the skin which could place you at high risk for wound healing complications. However, a proper exam is necessary to better determine if a delayed flap, a panniculectomy (to only address the lower aspect of your abdomen), or any other approach can be used. I encourage you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can offer you some safe options based on your exam and goals.

The scar from your gallbladder removal can jeopardize the blood supply to the abdominal skin after the excess is removed. It is possible to perform a tummy tuck, but in the majority of cases, the gallbladder scar cannot be completely removed. Given that, many surgeons would be hesitant to release the skin as much as they normally would to preserve the blood supply. This would limit the amount of tightening you would get, so you may still have the concavity at your old gallbladder scar, which could be improved with liposuction at a later time.

Dear fredzsmum,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You are at a higher risk for complications with a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck blood supply that goes right through that area has been cut and may be compromised. Your surgeon will make his final assessment.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The concern is blood supply to the skin below the scar. I have done several tummy tucks like yours and never had such a problem. But theoretically that’s the mainly issue

Dear fredzmum,A tummy tuck with such a high scar can be a challenge, as it may affect the blood supply of the lower part of the wound. It is however possible to perform surgery safely, but the surgeon may need to be a little more conservative, than if there was no scar. It may be advisable to lose the excess weight first, before any consultations, as this will create some excess skin and be able to give the surgeon a better idea of what is possible. It also depends on your own expectations of the type of result that you are hoping for.My advice is based on my own experience - having previously done tummy tucks with high scars such as this. I hope this is helpful.

You can have the mini tuck with no increased risks, but the standard tummy tuck is risking to the skin below your scar. the vertical incision could be done for the upper abdomen and would be safer.