Why do some ladies have a cut/scar down the middle (vertical) on their tummy as well as the horizontal scar at the bottom?

Thank you for your question. A full scar T scar from top to bottom with a horizontal scar is a fleur de lis tummy tuck which tightens skin both up and down and side to side. It is usually used for people who have had massive weight loss.Some patients can have a small vertical scar above the pubic midline in a standard tummy tuck. In most cases in a standard tummy tuck all the skin from the top of the belly button and below is thrown away leaving just a horizontal scar. If a patient is tight on rare occasions it is necessary to leave the old belly button hole but close it up vertically leaving a small vertical scar above the pubic midline. This may be of benefit to patients that need more than a mini tummy tuck to remove excess skin or where the goal is to remove as many stretch marks as possible. It may occasionally occur in a very tall patient or a patient who has a high riding belly button.A pinch test by your surgeon and full evaluation will help you to decide which option is best for you. I hope the link below helps.Best wishes.

The procedure you are describing is called a Fleur de Lis or Inverted T tummy tuck. It is used to correct flank and upper abdominal skin excess in patients. It is effective but the scars can be significant. This procedure is also associated with a higher wound healing complication rate at the T junction since this is the area where there is the most tension. Consult with a surgeon experienced in body contouring and all available techniques before committing to one procedure over the other. The technique used should fit your needs. Best wishes.