Is my tummy tuck scar too high? (Photo)

Question

I'm 12 weeks post op from a full tt. I'm petite (5'5, 120 lbs) but had severe abdominal separation and loose skin from a large baby. I love the fact that my muscles are back together and the extra skin is gone, but the height of my scar is upsetting and it's not even on both sides. Can it fade to the point where it isn't noticeable? I really don't want to have additional surgeries to try and lower it. My PS marked me much lower than the final result.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

your best bet it to try to get the scar to heal and fade as much as possible, your stomach is now flat and tight, so it would be impossible to lower your scar much at all, even 1 year post-op. Some tryp of scar recovery system is your best bet at this point.

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You should take your concerns to your surgeon. All scars fade with time, and after tummy tuck surgery this takes 1 - 2 years.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Australia

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

Early after a tummy tuck the scar appear to be high. As time goes by, your scar will fade, and as the tissue relaxes, the scar may travel downward.  All individuals are different, some people have high riding belly buttons, and others have low belly buttons. Some women have long, narrow trunks, and others have short, wide trunks. These are some of the factors that determine the location of your incision.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The key is how the tension is managed at the end of the operation.  I spend about 30 minutes on the tummy tuck itself and another 1 hour making sure the incision is as perfect as possible. The unevenness of the scar can be improved with a revision at six months to one year. At one year the scar should have faded and may be less noticeable.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The scar is high. When the skin is tightened, it is expected that the scar will rise some, but usually not to this extent. Scar revision to lower the scar would be a very iffy proposition, with a low chance of success, and may result in a wider scar due to high tension. I would seek the care of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist for minimally invasive scar treatment such as scar resurfacing. Sun protection is super important to keep the scar from darkening. With time and care the scar will fade. 
Matthew C. Camp M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Your scar is high for the type of clothing you wear.  It is possible to lower it in the future by readvancing the abdominal skin.  It would be another surgery.  In the meantime scar treatments with silicone gel can help fade the scar.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

It's best pre-operatively to mark the incision site in conjunction with the patient's opinion. I usually go as  low as top of the pubic hair, unless there are other circumstances influencing the scar placement. Generally speaking, I like the scar- if possible- to be concealed by the patient's favorite swimsuit. This is not always possible

John Paletta, MD · Answer

At this stage looks like you have a very nice result and the scar is coming along very well. If you feel the scar is too high then by definition it is too high. Often times when performing a Tummy tuck the scar will be hire than the markings caused by pulling the skin. At this point I would wait allow the scar fade it may be so that it's not as noticeable if after a year it is problematic for you  then I would consider a revision after the skin has relaxed. Good luck

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The ideal tummy tuck scar can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
You may want to ask your surgeon to revise this at some point in order to lower the incision.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Well, it is higher and more irregular than the ones I prefer to make, but it is still within "the range of normal".  Work on fading the scar as much as possible - avoid tanning, use silicone sheets on the scar, and consider some IPL or laser treatments.  And, a little makeup on the scar can really help you hide it as well.

Is my tummy tuck scar too high? (Photo)

Answers (17)