As a result of about 15 lbs of weight loss, I have some loose and crepey skin on my stomach above and below the naval. I am currently 5'4" and 112 lbs. The Board Certified PS I saw said he will have to create a new belly button and the scar will come from sewing up where the old one was. I was all for it until he told me that. This is in addition to the regular tummy tuck scar. Why is this and is there another way?
February 1, 2019
Answer: Why do I have to have a vertical scar below my naval in addition to the pelvic scar with my abdominoplasty? When performing an abdominoplasty, a low transverse incision is made across the pelvis and a second incision is usually made around the umbilicus (navel), leaving the umbilicus in place and attached to the underlying abdominal fascia. When your abdominal skin is advanced toward the pelvis and the excess is removed, if the skin currently above your umbilicus does not reach the low transverse incision, the original opening from your umbilicus is sutured closed, resulting in a small vertical scar - usually close to the low transverse incision. An incision is then made in the abdominal skin over your umbilicus, your umbilicus is brought up into the opening and sutured into place.It is generally considered preferable to create a small lower abdominal vertical scar rather than make the entire transverse scar higher up on the abdominal wall. While most patients clearly have enough excess skin above the umbilicus to make the vertical scar unnecessary, there are times when, as the surgeon, it is impossible to be 100% certain. In those cases, it is good surgical practice to inform the patient of the possibility in advance.Best wishes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
February 1, 2019
Answer: Why do I have to have a vertical scar below my naval in addition to the pelvic scar with my abdominoplasty? When performing an abdominoplasty, a low transverse incision is made across the pelvis and a second incision is usually made around the umbilicus (navel), leaving the umbilicus in place and attached to the underlying abdominal fascia. When your abdominal skin is advanced toward the pelvis and the excess is removed, if the skin currently above your umbilicus does not reach the low transverse incision, the original opening from your umbilicus is sutured closed, resulting in a small vertical scar - usually close to the low transverse incision. An incision is then made in the abdominal skin over your umbilicus, your umbilicus is brought up into the opening and sutured into place.It is generally considered preferable to create a small lower abdominal vertical scar rather than make the entire transverse scar higher up on the abdominal wall. While most patients clearly have enough excess skin above the umbilicus to make the vertical scar unnecessary, there are times when, as the surgeon, it is impossible to be 100% certain. In those cases, it is good surgical practice to inform the patient of the possibility in advance.Best wishes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
January 30, 2019
Answer: Why do I have to have a vertical scar below my naval in addition to the pelvic scar with my abdominoplasty? (photos) Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photograph. If the skin from the horizontal incision to the top of your belly button can not be removed, you will be left with a small vertical incision, the size of which is your current belly button length. This can be accounted for to help minimize the risk, but involves moving the horizontal scar higher to minimize the amount of skin needed to be removed. If this does not make sense, have your surgeon draw out the scenario as this often helps patients more than a verbal explanation. Best wishes.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 30, 2019
Answer: Why do I have to have a vertical scar below my naval in addition to the pelvic scar with my abdominoplasty? (photos) Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photograph. If the skin from the horizontal incision to the top of your belly button can not be removed, you will be left with a small vertical incision, the size of which is your current belly button length. This can be accounted for to help minimize the risk, but involves moving the horizontal scar higher to minimize the amount of skin needed to be removed. If this does not make sense, have your surgeon draw out the scenario as this often helps patients more than a verbal explanation. Best wishes.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
