Is my current scar from myomectomy too low to be removed during upcoming hysterectomy/ tummy tuck surgery? (Photo)

Question

20 yrs ago I had a laparoscopic gyn procedure which was converted to open after a large fibroid was found. The scar is very low- almost in the middle of my pubic hair (area above is shaved). I would much rather have the extra vertical scar for the former location of the belly-button, but is there a limitation on how low it can be (and still be expected to heal normally or not have other complications) ? My previous procedure started laparoscopically, I do have some scarring on my belly button.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

You should get an excellent result from a full tummy tuck. The abdominoplasty incision will remove your current scar. Good luck with your surgery.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It should be possible to make it to the existing scar when performing the tummy tuck.  The necessity of a vertical scar would be determined at surgery.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

These are excellent questions: 1) Yes,
we can incise below the myomectomy scar and excise it with the abdominoplasty,
and it is unlikely that you will have a vertical scar where your former belly
button was due to the amount of left we will get from the mons, groin and upper
thigh region and the upper abdominal skin laxity. 2) Yes, you will have
beneficial lifting and tightening of the mons, groin and upper thigh region!
The crease next to the mons will also go away. 3) The area you are pinching on
the side of your hip is the front margin of where we suction for muffin top,
but you have very little fat in this region. But on your backside, you will
benefit from liposuction. 4) Yes, enough skin for a full tummy tuck! 5) It
looks like you may have a small hernia in the upper part of your belly button,
which can be fixed at the time of the tummy tuck.

Don't forget that your internal girdle will be tightened with repair of you diastasis recti
resulting in a stronger core and flatter tummy.

Make sure to do your homework finding a plastic surgeon, ask for before and
after photos and focus on the incision, which should be low under the bikini
line and look at the new belly button to make sure they look pretty &
natural.

Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Your lower abdominoplasty incision can easily be made below your old scar, and especially since you are willing to accept the possibility of a short vertical suprapubic scar (the umbilicus site), this should pose no problem at all. As others have stated, depending on the laxity of the remaining abdominal skin, you may not even require this vertical component, but that is determined at surgery, not decided on in advance. Healing should be normal regardless of the incision placement. Make sure you select an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your photos (exam needed to be sure) it appears that your gynecological scar can be completely removed during your tummy tuck. Make sure you choose a board certified plastic surgeon.

Is my current scar from myomectomy too low to be removed during upcoming hysterectomy/ tummy tuck surgery? (Photo)

Answers (9)