Which tummy tuck scar is better the straight or the V shape? (Photos)

Question

I consulted with 2 different board certified doctors and each told me two different things. The 1st doctor told me that he will do a TT straight scar line. No lipo on the abdomen since I already had lipo. (however I think I still have some fat in one area) he also said no drain. The 2nd doctor said that he will do the TT scar in a curvy way like a (V). He said yes to lipo where is needed and he will leave one drain. I’m confused. What do I really need & whats best? Help me please!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I place the scar as low as possible. This will be below the level of a C-section scar and almost to the level of the leg crease. With the low scar, the scar can be concealed by virtually any piece of clothingThe key is how the tension is managed at the end of the TT.  I spend about 30 minutes on the TT itself and another 1 hour making sure the incision is as perfect as possible.Select a board certified PS who has performed hundreds of TTs with the results you are seeking.  Look at before and after photos on his/her website, and read patient reviews.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

Thanks
for this question

I think that
aesthetically is always better to have the smiley or low transverse save. It’s
the best scar because it’s hidden in your underwear. Having said this if you
have had significant weight loss and loss of central / vertical skin excess
then the scar may be better than the excess skin folds. I generally try to
avoid this scar as it’s very visible and patients frequently prefer the V scar
to the vertical scar

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mayra2020,
I always try to place tummy tuck incision as low as possible so the patient can hide the scar under the underwear or bikini. Every plastic surgeon has his own preferred technique, some use drains others don't, some use liposuction others don't. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Isabel Balza, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question:
I always prefer straight incision. Based on the picture you have laxity of skin in your abdomen and you can have a combination of both procedures tummy tuck and liposuction will be ideal in your case. A tummy tuck is a great procedure for removing excess abdominal skin and tightening the abdominal muscles to achieve a smaller waist and liposuction is combined as needed with a tummy tuck for the best possible result usually the liposuction in your upper and lower back with liposuction in all your the waistline. It is very safe to combine the two procedure together. Please make sure to contact a certified Plastic Surgeon. Good luck.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It really is a matter of personal preference as to whether a scar is placed low in the midline or straighter above the pubic hair as long as it is carefully closed and aftercare is good. The use of a drain for 24 hours is a good idea to prevent seroma even if internal gusset suturing is performed. Repeat VASER is not contraindicated but may not be necessary if the tummy tuck is performed simultaneously. Have you any other scars or health issues that warrant a higher scar and avoidance of lipo? If not then go with the second option if you want the best possible result. Hope this helps.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Hello:
Thank you for your question and photos. I understand it can be difficult to decide what is best for you in regards to lipo VS. no lipo and the type of incision and if drains will be used or not. Please keep in mind first and foremost that you want to make sure your plastic surgeon has your best interest in mind. The incision can be based on your surgeon's preference along with your anatomy and shape. You may benefit from liposuction and again, you may find that some plastic surgeons will perform lipo on the abdomen while others do not. The same is true of the drains, or lack thereof. 
It can be very difficult to navigate through this process so take your time in making your decision. I welcome my patients back for second consultations so I can answer more questions for them so you may want to consider this. Also, if you are on the fence or don't feel you've found the best surgeon for you, consult with additional board certified plastic surgeons.

Jeffrey Nelson, MD · Answer

It can seem a bit confusing for each surgeon communicates a little differently yet each may give you a result you would be delighted with. You do have some slight irregulaties in the fat remaining in your abdomen and flanks and a little revisional liposuction will help with that. The skin laxity removal and reefing in the muscle fascia is where you will get the greatest improvement. A flatter linear scar or very slightly curved scar would be more typical for you. Remember that as time goes by scars shift a little bit due to different thicknesses of the skin in different areas as well as different areas of attachment below the incision. That bit of curve change over the first 9 months of recovery is totally normal. You likely could get away with progressive tension quilting sutures that fix the abdomen back down so drains can be avoided. Hopefully that helps, if the surgeons showed you some of their results and they all looked very acceptable to you that be confident that they will give you similar results. Best wishes.

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