Tummy tuck scar placement with high cut swimwear and lingerie in mind?

Yes it is possible to put the scar higher but keep in mind that the best incision has to follow your body's needs and anatomy. Also the fashion will change in a few years.

Hello Brave835059, thank you for your question regarding tummy tuck scar placement with high cut swimwear and lingerie in mind.

Absolutely, your surgeon can and should work with your preferred shape and underwear (in most cases). Tummy tuck scars can usually be hidden nicely with your favorite pair of underwear. In fact, I encourage patients to bring in their underwear so we can mark it out and use it as a guide for the surgery. High lateral tension tummy tucks are some of the most flattering, in my opinion, so this shouldn't be a problem at all.

High lateral tension tummy tucks help create a more defined waistline and can be tailored to ensure that the scar placement accommodates your high-cut swimwear and lingerie preferences. This approach provides a more aesthetically pleasing result, making the scar less noticeable when wearing your favorite garments.

Good luck, and I hope this helps you feel confident about your tummy tuck surgery and the results you can achieve.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Dear Brave835059,
this is something that you can discuss with your plastic surgeon as it is possible to place incision higher. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

When considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with the goal of wearing high-cut swimwear and lingerie, scar placement is crucial to ensure that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible. Here are some key points to discuss with your surgeon to achieve the best results:

Pre-Surgery Consultation:

Bring examples of the swimwear and lingerie styles you prefer. Visual aids can help the surgeon understand your desired scar placement.
Discuss your lifestyle and fashion preferences in detail. This will help the surgeon plan the incision accordingly.
Incision Placement:

Low Horizontal Incision: The incision is typically placed low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area. For high-cut swimwear and lingerie, the incision should be positioned to follow the natural crease where the thigh meets the torso.
Extended Incision: If you require an extended tummy tuck (due to more significant skin removal), the incision may be longer. Ensure it follows a line that will remain hidden under high-cut garments.
Mini Tummy Tuck: If only a small amount of skin needs to be removed, a shorter incision may be sufficient and easier to conceal.
V-Shape or U-Shape:

Discuss whether a slight V or U shape to the incision might better suit your preferred swimwear and lingerie styles. This can help the scar follow the contours of your garments more naturally.
Aftercare:

Follow all post-operative care instructions meticulously to promote good healing and minimize scar appearance.
Use recommended scar treatments, such as silicone sheets or gels, to improve scar quality.
Protect the scar from sun exposure, which can darken it and make it more noticeable.
Surgeon’s Experience:

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in performing tummy tucks for patients with similar aesthetic goals.
Look at before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous tummy tuck patients to ensure their results align with your expectations.
By discussing these points with your surgeon, you can work together to achieve a tummy tuck scar placement that is as discreet as possible, allowing you to confidently wear high-cut swimwear and lingerie.

Tummy tuck scar positions can absolutely be adjusted to a higher location. I often ask my patients to bring their preferred style of underwear/swimwear for preoperative marking in order to ensure that scar location will be hidden when wearing these specific types of clothing.

Yes, bring photos or even the clothing to show your surgeon where you would like the scar placed. Raising it as high as your straps is not the usual position. Do remember that clothing styles do change over the years and you might not be happy with such a high scar. Perhaps you can get a shorter scar.

Scar placement and length is influenced by the amount of skin removed. When the tummy tuck is performed your surgeon must be able to redrape the tissues so that you have a beautiful abdominal contour as it heals. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. She/He can demonstrate what to expect in terms of the incisions during an examination.