Would I still be a candidate for a tummy tuck after having a liver resection? (Photo)

Question

I had a liver resection when I was 20. I’m now almost 28 and have lost over 100lbs, finished having babies and am looking into tummy tuck procedures. Does the existing scar tissue make for a more complicated tummy tuck? I am at a healthy BMI but I still feel like my stomach is very large. the photo shown is after microneedling my scar , that is why it was red in the picture. It does not normally look like that :)

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The horizontal component of the liver resection scar will cut off the blood supply to the skin distal to that and can lead to skin necrosis at the time of tummy tuck. However, if you have enough redundant skin then it may be possible that the scar can be included into the tummy tuck. This may be possible to do this and the result of the scar will not be as low in the groin area as desired but somewhat higher. This is a trade-off.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, many patients can still be candidates for a tummy tuck after prior abdominal surgery like a liver resection, but it can make the operation more complex, mainly because of scar tissue and blood supply considerations.
How a Prior Liver Resection Scar Can Affect a Tummy Tuck
Scar tissue/adhesions: the deeper the prior surgery, the more internal scarring is possible. This may increase surgical difficulty and operating time.
Skin blood supply: upper abdominal scars can alter blood flow to the abdominal skin flap. Your surgeon must plan carefully to reduce risk of delayed healing.
Final scar placement/shape: existing scars may limit how much skin can be safely removed or how the tension is distributed.
The Good News
Your age, weight loss, stable BMI, and “done having babies” status are all positives. Also, redness from microneedling doesn’t change candidacy.
What You Should Do Next
Book a consultation with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and bring:
Your prior operative report if you can obtain it (helpful, not always required)
Any imaging history if you have it
A clear list of your goals (skin removal, muscle repair, contouring)
They’ll evaluate scar location, tissue mobility, and whether you’re better suited for a full tummy tuck vs extended tummy tuck.
Good luck!

Would I still be a candidate for a tummy tuck after having a liver resection? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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