Is it normal to have an incision above my pubic area beside the incision across my abdomen?

Question

I am 56 years old Asian female. 5'3" with brown skin. I weight 143 before the surgery and 133 after. I am active, go to the gym 5 days and swim 70 laps twice a week. I have a scar just below my pubic area and it was stitched poorly that it is budging on one side. I have some bulging in my abdomen when sitting. Just not happy and I continue to stress about it. It will be a year in December.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Pinay2u,
The upper abdominal skin stretches downward in a tummy tuck, through a combination of undermining to the costal margin (rib edges) and sitting you up in bed. For some patients, the amount of skin that can be removed does not extend to the level of the umbilicus...when this occurs, the site where the surgeon cuts around the umbilicus is closed vertically. This allows you to have a low scar with a short vertical portion, as opposed to a horizontal scar at the top edge of your current vertical incision.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

George Bitar, MD · Answer

The vertical scar above your pubic area is likely from your old belly button site.  During a tummy tuck, the tummy is tightened, and the excess skin is removed.  An incision is made around the belly button initially; the skin is pulled tight; and the belly button is brought out through the skin.  Ideally, the excess skin removed would include the old site of your belly button, so there would only be a horizontal scar.  In your case, it was likely that the belly button site did not reach the lower incision, so the old belly button site was reclosed as a vertical scar.  I would recommend visiting your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck that scar would be entirely cut out.. it would hoever be replaced by a horizontal scar which would be longer but expected to heal nicer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pinay2u,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically a vertical incision that is located immediately above the horizontal incision is representative of the closure of your belly button when the skin was removed.  From the photo yours appears to be a little higher than typical.  Your surgeon should be able to confirm if this is the case or if it is a result of something else.

Is it normal to have an incision above my pubic area beside the incision across my abdomen?

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Is it normal to have an incision above my pubic area beside the incision across my abdomen?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Incisions

Answer: Incisions

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.