I had a tummy tuck 22 months ago to get rid of the saggy skin and stretch marks that I got after three pregnancies. I ended up with a high incision and noticeable scar around my belly button. I was thin and "fit" going into the procedure. I am now considering a revision and would like to know all of my options. My skin is still tight from the previous procedure although I do have some laxity around the belly button area. I welcome all opinions.
October 14, 2016
Answer: Lowering a tummy tuck scar depends on several things
The ideal tummy tuck scar should be low enough to be concealed under a bikini bottom or panties. Sometimes there isn't enough skin to pull it down that low, in which case my preference is to do an upside down "T" which enables the scar to be low but with a short vertical line. That part of the scar usually fades very well and keeps most of it where it should be. In your case, it will require a significant amount of undermining and expanding the skin between the belly button and the scar, and anchor sutures to keep it as low as it can go.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 14, 2016
Answer: Lowering a tummy tuck scar depends on several things
The ideal tummy tuck scar should be low enough to be concealed under a bikini bottom or panties. Sometimes there isn't enough skin to pull it down that low, in which case my preference is to do an upside down "T" which enables the scar to be low but with a short vertical line. That part of the scar usually fades very well and keeps most of it where it should be. In your case, it will require a significant amount of undermining and expanding the skin between the belly button and the scar, and anchor sutures to keep it as low as it can go.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Anchoring sutures Thank you for your post. It is not common for surgeons to anchor the lower incision to the fascia or covering of the abdominal muscles to keep the scar low, however, I do use this technique and agree with it. All the tension on the incision is from above, not below, and thus the scar tends to move toward the area of maximal tension (towards the ribs/bellybutton). This moves the scar higher than desired. I like to keep my scars very low, and feel that anchoring the scar helps accomplish this. The following photo is an example of this.
Helpful
Answer: Anchoring sutures Thank you for your post. It is not common for surgeons to anchor the lower incision to the fascia or covering of the abdominal muscles to keep the scar low, however, I do use this technique and agree with it. All the tension on the incision is from above, not below, and thus the scar tends to move toward the area of maximal tension (towards the ribs/bellybutton). This moves the scar higher than desired. I like to keep my scars very low, and feel that anchoring the scar helps accomplish this. The following photo is an example of this.
Helpful