Are all abdominoplasty/tummy tuck incisions from hip to hip?

The question is not how extensive the scar will be following the tummy tuck, the question is how extensive is the soft tissue defect that needs to be repaired. Limiting the incision to jus the anterior abdomen condemns the results to have massive "dog ears". Pleating and working out the excess skin requires extending the incision around to the flanks. In some cases a full belt lipectomy will deliver an optimal result. It is not inconceivable that a revision of a dog ear will be necessary in patients who have massive amounts of tissue to be removed.

The tummy tuck incision length will vary from patient to patient depending on the amount of excess skin that you have.  This usually will involve removal of a preexisting cesarean scar.  Also, Breast Implants can be inserted from an incision in the underarm area, but this is not always the best incision that can be used.  Discussing these options with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs a lot of these surgeries and can demonstrate excellent results to you is the best way for you to determine the best options for you.  

While hip to hip is common phrase to use, I like to create a custom incision for every patient so they get the best results. Some bodies need a longer incision then others. This is what is so fun to me and challenging in that no two cases are the same. I also love trans-axillary breast augmentation when done with an endoscope so you see what you are doing. The blind sweep technique is very quick and popular and can create excellent result but I like to see what I am doing which is why I use the endoscope! The incision is usually below or under the prior scar so it is removed. Good luck and see a few board plastic surgeons to find the best fit for you. Look at  before and after pics too as they really help. Good Luck!

Hello and thank you for your
question.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  I place the scar below the level of a c-section scar and therefore the c-section incision is completely removed.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your questions.  In general a full tummy tuck incision is from hip to hip.  A mini-tummy tuck incision may be shorter, though still longer than the typical c-section scar.  If the c-section scar is not too low and you have enough excess skin, then the TT scar can be placed at that level replacing the c-section scar (only one scar, not two.) We always try to achieve this, though it is not possible in certain patients.  Finally, saline implants can be inserted via the trans-axillary approach, but this is not a common approach in the US. I do not perform this approach because I feel the risk of implant malposition is higher. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon with a vast experience in TT and trans-axillary breast augmentation to answers all your questions and address your concerns. 
S. A. Earle, MD, FACS