Do tummy tuck scars have to be so long? (Photo)

a little hard to tell from the picture. i don't know if the bulge mentally is from a diastasis or excess tissue. probably should see someone in person. there are three parts to a TT. fat skin and abdominal wall.  looks like you are slim so the abdominal wall and skin must be corrected. length of scar depends on the skin resected.   

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Hello! Thank you for your question. You are not alone in that many women are fearful and do not like the idea of a tummy tuck scar. A full tummy tuck involves a scar that typically runs from hip to hip.  We make every effort to keep the scar as low as possible so that when you wear your pants or a bikini, the scar is hidden. There is also a scar around the belly button.These scars take several months to fade, and a fully healed after one year. So you ask;Can the scar be shorter? The tummy tuck scar length varies in length from patient to patient.  The length is determined by your existing fold.  If you look in a mirror and see the fold where your skin folds over, this determines the extent of your scar.  If you try to cheat and make it shorter, you will end up un-natural looking folds/lumps on the sides. For more information please click the link attached. It is always best to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals of surgery. Many clinics are still doing virtual consultations during this time at a reduced fee. 

Tummy Tuck incisions can  take on many forms/lengths depending on what is to be accomplished. If there is minimal skin laxity and minimal stretch marks, the incision is also minimized. But if there is significant amounts of skin laxity and/or stretch marks, the incision is arranged to remove maximal damage and to yield maximal contour enhancement. Either way, the muscle separation (diastasis) is usually performed.  This usually means a well healed incision, hidden underneath the bikini line & maximizing your "girl curves".

Would recommend that you consider a short scar TT (The shorter scar it leaves is the same length as that of the mini TT)  that tightens the muscles, and removes skin and fat. The incision is so low, almost to the level of the leg crease, that bikinis may be worn afterwards. It creates a scar which is flat all the way across and is not a smiley face. This way the ends of the scar never rise above low cut clothing. The key is how the tension is managed at the end of the operation.  I spend about 30 minutes on the TT itself and another 1 hour making sure the incision is as perfect as possible.  The TT also creates a more youthful belly button.

Hi.  The scar from a tummy tuck can be different lengths, depending on the patient's anatomy and goals.  For instance you and your surgeon could mutually agree on a shorter scar, which may not give you as much tightening of the skin, but may meet your goals better by having the shorter scar.  Those are all things that can and should be addressed during an in-person, or virtual online consultation.  I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon with good experience in body contouring to go over all of these options with you. Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

Hello, Thank you for your question and photos. It is difficult to tell from photos alone, but you could potentially be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck where the incision would be much smaller. A mini tummy tuck only addresses the skin below the belly button. However, an intermediate tummy tuck might be best suited for you as this will fix muscle diastasis and provide maximum skin tightening. I would advise you to get an in person consultation from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of luck to you! 

Every patients anatomy is different which will determine the length of a tummy tuck scar. The more loose skin a patient has, the longer the scar in general. In your case, it appears that the scar will not go hip tp hip. However, I would have to see you in the sitting position to give you a more exact answer. You are also a good candidate for abdominal wall tightening and liposuction of the thighs and flanks.

Thank you for your question.  An in person consultation is always best.  During your consultation, we discuss and evaluate the severity of your excess skin and how long your incision may be.  If you are a candidate for a smaller incision, then this is referred to as a Mini Tummy Tuck. I also have you bring in your bathing suit bottoms so we can best conceal the scar.  

Thanks for the question. 
In this regard, I recommend you a Tummy Tuck to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.
Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-