Will I Need a Small Vertical Incision for my Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your pictures, it is easy to understand why a plastic surgeon consult has discussed the potential need for a vertical scar with you. As you have noted, your C-section scar and your umbilicus is relatively high on your torso.

 Your choice would be, using a  higher incision to perform the  tummy tuck operation ( you would then have a 2 scars  present)  or accept the possibility that a vertical scar may be necessary to avoid too much tension on the midsection of your tummy tuck closure.

 My best advice to you would be to choose your plastic surgeon carefully.  Allow him/her to communicate your goals and preferences carefully.  Doing the before mentioned steps will allow you to achieve a very nice result  with tummy tuck surgery,  even if a short vertical scar is necessary.

Tummy Tuck surgery involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike); a few words of advice may be helpful:


1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

I am aware of the issue of leaving a T scar after a tummy tuck and I agree that is would be nice to avoid it. There are very few cases in which I have found this necessary and believe your case can be done without the T scar. You C section scar may appear low, but it will migrate superiority with a tummy tuck. Many surgeons tell their patients there might be a small vertical scar to make sure they are fully informed prior to surgery, even though it is not needed in the vast majority of cases.

Thank you for your question and photos.  If two surgeons recommended that you compromise with a small vertical incision above your TT scar...I would heed their recommendations.  The have had the benefit of examining you and are interested in keeping you safe and giving you the best cosmetic result.  Base on your photos you have a long torso, high belly button and not a tremendous amount of laxity...these are observations and can only be confirmed with examination.  In this situation, leaving a small vertical scar where the original belly button exited is the safest and most prudent way of avoiding over resection and skin necrosis and wound separation.  These are all complications that you should avoid.  A small vertical scar that heals well and fades with time is a small price to pay for a safe and uneventful recovery.  All the best.