Best solution for tummy tuck with existing vertical scarring for childhood surgery? (Photo)

Question

I was in a car accident as a child and already have an existing vertical scar going down my stomach. In a perfect world I would like to get the current scar cut out and redone so that it's tight and small. As well as the standard tummy tuck procedure. Would like advise on approach, cost, and recovery for whatever is necessary.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the photo.I think you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck. The excess lower abdominal skin can be easily removed along with the vertical scar below the umbilicus. You would end up with a very smooth abdomen. You might have to wait for a second procedure to revise the upper abdominal vertical scar.The cost of a tummy tuck is somewhere between $8000 -10,000 dollars. You can find average prices on the website for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to make sure you are getting reasonable quotes from the plastic surgeons in your area.As far as recovery is concerned, the tummy tuck surgery is one of the hardest to recover from. You can't cut any corners. Try to get straight by one week. Walking for exercise and driving might start in 3-4 weeks after surgery. Full activities can start at six weeks. Swelling is persistent for 6 months to a year after surgery.Good Luck!

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

There is a type of tummy tuck called a "fleur-de-lis" which leaves a vertical and a horizontal scar. Even though you already have a vertical scar, you will still need a low horizontal scar you achieve the flattest abdomen. During the procedure, your vertical scar will be revised to make it as thin as possible. I would be happy to see you in consultation for a thorough discussion. Good luck!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry,  you can get an excellent result by doing both a vertical component removing your old scar and and a horizontal component.  Please seek the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss, good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  Your existing vertical scar will be lowered and can be revised during this procedure.  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

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thank you for this question.I believe the best operation for most patients with previous vertical scars is the Fluer de Lis tummy tuck. This tummy tuck operation, involves the traditional horizontal excision while adding even more skin revomal with additional skin excision in the vertical part of the abdomen. There are two incisions that come together at the bottom of the tummy which look like an upside down T incision. This type of tummy tuck is common in patients after weight loss surgery from open gastric bypass surgery, but also with pediatric surgery scars. See my link below for before and after photos.Sincerely, Dr. ALDO

Jeffrey Swail, MD · Answer

You’re absolutely right. You should have a standard tummy tuck with revision of the vertical scar. This should leave you with a nice, flat, tight abdomen with a (probably) much better vertical scar and a tummy tuck scar located pretty much where the skin is hanging from in the lower abdomen. The surgery should take about 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia, and the cost will typically run 7 to 9 thousand dollars total. You should expect to be hobbling around carefully the day of surgery and the first few days afterward. You’ll be walking upright (slowly) by 7-9 days and you should be able to return to vigorous exercise by 6 to 8 weeks.
  
 You’re a great candidate for this procedure based on the photograph.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for your story and question regarding best possible correction. The midline scar is the problem. However, the surrounding skin seems rather lax as well. The revision of the scar will produce some improvement in laxity. The scar will limit how much can be removed at the lower end though. Without examining you it isn’t possible to say for certain whether a full abdominoplasty is able to be performed but you may not actually need this if the vertical reduction is done. Best to see a board certified Plastic Surgeon to get an objective opinion.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You will need standard tummy tuck, and in addition opening your vertical scar with side to side tightening of it. In the end you will land up with an inverted T scar but much improved tummy. Risks are higher with this than a standard tummy tuck.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Because of the existing vertical scar, you would do well with a fleur-de-lis (upside down “T” incision) tummy tuck.  This will give you the best of both worlds-  a tummy tuck and scar revision.   Good luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the picture  and your description a standard TT with FDL will give optimal results. Old previous scar can be removed. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation

Best solution for tummy tuck with existing vertical scarring for childhood surgery? (Photo)

Answers (15)

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