Is It Better to Have a Tummy Tuck Incision Wrap Around Your Waist?

I vary my incisions to get the best possible results in terms of removing the most amount of skin and fat as well as acces to the abdominal muscles in order to tighten them.  If a longer "C" incision is required, then I will do this.  However, my goal is to have a nice, low, and inconspicuous scar in the bikini line.

 

The length of the tummy tuck scar will depend on your anatomy and the extent of the looseness of your tissue. If there is not a lot of laxity of the tissue of the back and buttock area, there is no reason to extend the incision all the way across the back. The length of the incision should be individualized and should be the shortest that it can be to achieve the desired outcome. If there is no significant looseness of the skin on the sides of the abdomen and the back, then there is no reason to extend the scar beyond the abdomen since it would not improve the results.  You should discuss this at a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

 

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

 

La Jolla, California

 

Hello Hollyb40,

An extended incision that goes further than the front of the abdomen can be a great solution for those ladies that have loose skin along the hips.  It can accomplish a few things:

1. Contour the front of the abdomen and hips so that the transition from the front of the tummy to the sides is evenly shaped, without an abrupt shift to a "muffin top"

2.  Blend in the end of the incision so that it is smoothm without a "dog ear"

Keep in mind that not everyone requires this type of an abdominoplasty which is called an extended abdominoplasty.  But, it can be a great choice for those with a little extra on the sides.

Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen