How long is the scar of a mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I discussed a mini tummy tuck with my doctor but after surgery I feel as though my scars are the length of a full tummy tuck

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Scar length varies, but a mini tummy tuck should be just longer than a C-section scar.  A full tummy tuck reaches from hip bone to hip bone.  Hope this helps.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

The length of the scar will depend on how much loose skin there is. Generally the incision is shorter than for a full tummy tuck which runs from hip to hip. Good luck.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank your for your question, this is commonly asked by patients considering mini tummy tuck surgery.  The length of the scar depends on the location of loose skin on your lower abdomen.  If it is loose and hanging all the way out to the flanks, there is no point in only  doing a small incision in the middle of the abdomen.  There would still be loose skin on either side, and it would not look very good.  Having a mini tummy tuck does not necessarily mean the scar will be short.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. The length of the mini-abdominoplasty scar can vary depending on the amount of skin laxity and is located below the bikini line. Typically, the scar is shorter than the standard full tummy tuck, which can go from one end of your hip bone to the other. I'd recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.  All the best.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This will really just depend upon the degree of skin laxity present and the location of the skin laxity and the patient's anatomy.  You do not want excess skin remaining at either end of the scar.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

If the scar is low it will be concealed well so the length is less important than where it is. Depending on how much loose skin there is in the lower abdomen, the scar will vary in length. Your most important goal should always be what will give the best overall result.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Preop and postop photos would've been helpful to address your question. The length of the scar is not the differentiating factor between a full and a mini tummy tuck. What is done underneath makes the difference. In a mini, the muscle is repaired from the belly button down only and sometimes the belly button is "floated" downwards. If this is moved more than 2 cm, it will be too low. A full, will have muscle repair from the breast bone down to the pubic bone. The length and location of the scar is dependent on the surgeons technique and skin laxity. Good luck with your healing.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

The general thread of this post is you can get a short to almost standard incision length depending on how much skin needs to be removed. If the incision is done well the results should be what is important. I hope you can post a picture of you before and after please.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It would helpful to evaluate a picture of your abdomen.  A mini tummy tuck can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  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. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dreamy boobs,
in most cases, mini tummy tuck scar is a bit longer than the size of cesarean section scar. In case of full tummy tuck, you will have a scar from one hip bone to another and also you will have the scar around your belly button. If you have any concerns, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and  thank you for the question. Scar length is proportional to the amount of removed skin. At the end of the day, scar positioning is more important than the length of the scar; ideally, scar should be placed low enough that is covered by the bikini. As long as you have had sufficient amount of skin removed and your abdomen is tight, and your scar is placed low, I would not worry too much about the scar length. Keep in mind that scars can take several months to mature and eventually fade. Best,

How long is the scar of a mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (18)

More Mini Tummy Tuck Questions

Post seroma bulge following a mini TT. Will this go away? (Photo)

How do mini tummy tick stitches look? (photos)

Why is my stomach not flat after a mini tummy tuck?

How long after full lipo and mini tuck do I have to wait to wear jeans? What is the best garment to wear?

I recently had a 40cc epigastric seroma aspirated (11 days postop) after diastasis repair/mini TT. Any chance it won't return?

What could be the cause of this lump/knot above my belly button? Is this going to get better? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS