Tummy Tuck Incision Lines. Is there a reason for the curved incision or is it purely aesthetic?

Hi and good question. The pattern of the scar used in a tummy tuck will vary from surgeon to surgeon. It may be a request of the patient but more likely than not. Even in my own patients , I will vary the incision somewhat depending on the anatomy presented. For the most part, I use an incision that is very low and goes straight out towards the hip bone. I always try and limit my incision realizing that patients always desire smaller incisions. Living and practicing in Miami for the past 29 years I've grown to know the deep desire women have for wearing a bikini which for the most part extends upward and not straight across. I don't do the Smile incision where it curves up like in a Happy Face.I encourage you to look at many, many photographs. You need to determine if there is consistency to the work. Are the results of that particular surgeon reproduced more often than not? Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have countless years of experience. I encourage you to look at the reference link below where the tummy tuck is explained step by step in the actual surgery.I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have been performing tummy tucks in the Miami area for the past 29 years. I encourage you to look up the surgeon you eventually select and make sure they have years of experience in performing tummy tucks and liposuctions. Furthermore request to see before and after photos of previous patients by that doctor....not a clinic or surgery center. Do your homework......research and verify the doctor's credentials. Have they had problems with the Board of Medicine, disciplinary or otherwise. Any law suits? How about the center, clinic or facility? Are they accredited by a national organizationor do they just have State approval. Understand that at the current time, there are three nationally recognized organizations responsible for the highest levels of patient safety, AAAASF, AAACH and JCHO. You owe it to yourself to position yourself for the best possible results but under the most stringent safety regulations, If you have kids, even more so.How about anesthesia? Will you have a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Understand that there is no substitute for research. Cosmetic surgery, no matter how simple it may be to the patients, are invasive procedures and as such carry certain risks and complications. Miami is filled with mom and pop cosmetic surgery clinics offering bargain basement prices. Buyer beware. Now that you are a mom, every decision that you make whether directly or indirectly affects your kids. Research, research and then research some more.In our office we use TouchMD which is a web based program in which patients have the ability to load their picture unto the program. I then evaluate them and can actually draw on the picture to show a potential patient where the incisions would be located and how the procedure is to be realized. It's all done to comply with HIPPA which is the federal law that protects the patient's medical information. Look them up. I would encourage you to contact our office. Submit your photos and I'll work on them and give you an opinion to what is best in your case. I hope this information has been beneficial.Good luck, Dr. PG

I appreciate your concern. When designing the incision site for Tummytuck surgery, I consult with the patient with regard to her desires. Does she prefer one piece, two piece or bikini bathing suit? If bikini, what type, I usually ask them to bring in the bottom so I can design the scar to be hidden even when wearing a bikini. In conclusion, it is best to try to keep the scar as low as possible and in position to be hidden by all sorts of clothing, bathing suits and lingerie. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and be sure to voice your concerns regarding scar location.  Good luck!

You're correct that there are a wide variety of incision patterns for tummy tucks.  I use a gently upcurved incision because the piece of skin that is removed is usually ellipse-shaped and the curved incision results in skin edges of a similar length.  This results in a smooth incision closure.  Also, I find that there is more tension downward and this tends to flatten the incision closer to a straight line.  The final position of the scar is important but the overall contour achieved is equally important.

The incision I use is dependent on the contours presented by the patient. I like to eliminate as many stretch marks as possible, so my incision can extend on one side in order to remove unilateral problems. An extended incision is used to address the lateral extensions of extra skin, fat or stretch marks. I prefer a low curved incision where possible that can be hidden by a pair of panties. Good luck...

Good question!  I can really only answer the question for myself as a plastic surgeon.  I agree there is a variety of "angles" sometimes utilized that come higher up on the sides.  One popular choice from years ago that is still sometimes seen is the "high lateral tension abdominoplasty" which has "higher angles" on the sides and exactly why I don't like that approach.  In general, for me, what determines where I place that incision is where your abdomen "creases" and folds when you sit down.  This is typically at the level of the pubis (this encompasses the old C-Section scar if there is one in the middle), and it carries out on the sides where the crease forms between the thigh and the torso/abdomen.  I always keep my incisions "as low" as I can, and there are some plastic surgeons that utilize a higher incision.  I think the lower incisions are easier to disguise in swim suits and undergarments.  I also try to keep things as low as I can when doing an "extended tummy tuck".  The "laxity" of the tissues and where it creases partly determines where the incision has to be.  I would discuss these details with your plastic surgeon. Good luck!

The design of your scar depends on your body shape to a large extent and where the excess skin is situated.If only pulling the skin downwards is enough then a straight or nearly straight line can be achieved.If you need some lateral pull, then curving the incision upwards laterally will achieve a better result and finally if you have a lot of lateral excess you will need a fleur-de-lys, with a midline vertical scar.I know some surgeons curve the scar around the mons, like a w as well. Personally I do not favour that particular incision, but for the surgeons who use it regularly it can look nice.Speak to your plastic surgeon and explain your concerns, what you want is the best result.Best of luck

Scars are dictated by your anatomy and what you want to achieve and finally the scar placement. The tension on the wound afterwards leads to the scar moving. There are pros and cons of different scar placements and your PS needs to go through the pros and cons of the different scarring patterns with you. One can always try and get the scars where you wish to have them but there is an unpredictability as you heal that you need to be aware of.