Wavy incision line vs straight?

Question

I am in the initial stages of looking for a plastic surgeon. One says they prefer to make the incision in a wavy line as opposed to straight. What would be the advantage or disadvantage of that?

Shahriar Mabourakh, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck requires a long abdominal scar. Placement of the scar differs from one surgeon to another. The best scar location is one that is as low as possible so it is not visible through bikinis. Sometimes the center part is much higher due to location of the belly button and or lack of excess skin above the umblicus. Discuss the location of the scar and the hight of the center part of the scar with your ps so you are not surperised with the final result.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A good result can be achieved with either incision.  Surgeons may have preferences on their incisions.  I would not let this be a deciding factor in your choice.  The important thing is to be sure you are choosing a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of tummy tucks with desirable results.  Best of luck,

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Your best bet is to look at photographs of the surgeons work to determine which outcomes you judge to be the best.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for this question. As discussed in some of the other previous answers I think the most important thing is the location of the scar. A qualified plastic surgeon we'll get you an excellent result with either technique. Discuss all of this with a potential treating plastic surgeon and look at some all their pre-and postoperative pictures. Best of luck.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I suspect you should seek clarification from your plastic surgeon in regards to the "wavy line" incision. The goal is to try to get the incision as low as possible. Best of luck!

Wavy incision line vs straight?

Answers (5)