Can the position of a tummy tuck scar be placed in the pelvic area as in within the "v"?

Hello,Responses to your question have been vague ('it can be lower') or incorrect ('it will affect how tight the skin gets').  Here's the truth, the tummy tuck incision has been placed incorrectly by surgeons, including myself, basically since it's inception.  The problem was, and is, the improper prioritization of getting the belly button hole out along with the skin being removed.  To do that on most women required placing the incision high enough so that hole would be excised, leaving an unsightly scar in the middle of the lower abdomen. Instead of prioritizing the removal of the hole, it should be on proper placement of the lower incision.  There is an exact place the scar should be to make it visually inconspicuous: along the border between 'aesthetic units' of the thigh, abdomen, and pubic triangle. When this is accomplished, there is almost always the need to also have a short vertical scar to close the old belly button hole in the skin. This is very minor visually, and leads to, as you said, a seamless appearance to the abdomen.Along with proper scar placement, there are three other maneuvers that makes for the most modern, sophisticated abdominoplasty available:1. Liposuction of excess subcutaneous fat.  Once thought to be dangerous to healing of the skin when combined with a tummy tuck, more modern liposuction techniques allow this combination to occur with no increased risk to healing issues. 2. Direct removal of all deep fat, known as 'sub-Scarpal' fat.  Recent anatomic studies of the blood supply to the skin of the abdomen show that circulation increases when this fat is removed, allowing blood flow to be diverted to the skin.3. Progressive Tension Sutures.  This technique allows for even tightening of the skin from the top of the tummy to the bottom, giving the smoothest and tightest result possible with  less risk of healing issues near the incision. It eliminates the need for drains, the most cumbersome and unpredictable part of a tummy tuck surgery that can be kept in place for weeks, which then usual leads to seroma formation.  Finally, the risk of seroma in general is also nearly eliminated; in my practice it went from a 20% risk to 1% risk. Although more time is required to accomplish this, compared to older tummy tuck techniques the improved result and risk reduction to many complications make the extra time worth it for both the patient and the surgeon. Best of luck!

Thanks
for the question.Your anatomy as well
as your physical exam will be part of determining where the tummy tuck scar is
best placed.The lower abdominal/pubic
scar is the best for a flat contour and healing.If I am interpreting your question
correctly, matching the fat tissue from the upper abdominal flap to the very
thin thigh skin in that crease area would not result in a smooth result and
maximum pull on the upper abdominal tissue.Best wishes, Dr. Michelle Spring

Yes, incisions can be placed rather low.  I often have patients bring in their bikini or underwear and try to place the scar just below.  Everyone is different, of course, but hiding incisions generally isn't a problem.  In addition, if scars are your concern, you will want to see someone who creates very natural belly buttons. 

I appreciate your question.

The tummy tuck scar can be placed as low as possible by your surgeon.   If the scar is placed too low, you wont be able to get the skin as tight and the purpose of the procedure is defeated.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic
and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

The tummy tuck can frequently be placed much lower than is seen in many after pics.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Thank you for your question.The scar of tummy tuck is placed as low as possible by your surgeon, keeping in mind they need to remove the excess skin from above and still have enough skin left to close the incision after removal.  If you place the scar too low, you wont be able to get the skin as tight and defeat the purpose of the procedure.

Hello Thank you for your question. Generally surgeons try to go as low as possible. However with a full tummy tuck the belly button is included in the removal of excess skin. Therefore, if we try to go too low you may have a vertical scar from your belly button that was removed to be put in the new place. It would be best to have an in person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best regards

Thank you for your question.  The short answer is Yes.  The scar can usually be kept very low so that it is completely hidden in the bikini line.  Without a physical exam it is difficult to state whether someone would be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck and photos would be helpful in potentially determining whether you would be a good candidate for this type of procedure.  Please seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you that has multiple before and after photos that demonstrate tummy tuck experience and expertise.  Best wishes!

The exact placement of the scar will vary based on each individual's anatomy and examination.  Best wishes.  

The low incision tummy tuck is meant to place the tummy tuck incision low in the pubic region; the placemetn of this line is actually vrey important and creates the natural junction between the pubic region and the tummy. You can't any lower than this or you will risk cutting into your superficial inguinal nodes. Please see examples below.