Scar & small incisions after accident - can I get a tummy tuck or lipo? (Photo)

Question

I was in a bad car accident when I was a child (over 30 years ago) and have a scar running down my abdomen for a bladder repair. I also have 3 other small incisions that where made at that time. Do I even have a chance for a tummy tuck or lipo? What are my options?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @gjmolina1, thank you for your question. There is a certain amount of skin that needs to be removed during a tummy tuck; however, this depends on the individual patient. When the scar is below the navel, as in a c section, it will go underneath the cesarean scar because when you lift and stretch that skin, the cesarean scar will also disappear, that is to say, you will have a new and distinct scar. I link a video to shed more light on the matter. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on this photo, you are a great candidate for Tummy tuck. The existing scars will be removed during the procedure along with the excess skin. This will be better for you than liposuction alone. I hope this helps.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. From your photo, you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Johanna D'Agostino, MD · Answer

Based on this picture, it appears that you have excess skin in the abdomen (above and below your navel). I don’t think liposuction alone is the answer for you. I would recommend an abdominoplasty with liposuction of your flank area to remove the excess skin and slim the waist line. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and a detailed examination is a MUST to better assess the skin quality, scar location and rule out any other abnormalities of your abdominal wall.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you have significant saggy skin above belly button, below belly button and most likely the mons pubic area is saggy as well. 
Your abdomen appears to be little protruding because your muscle is loose. Also have some fat on your waist and lovehandles. 
Your old scars are all below the belly button and all will be gone after the procedure. 
You will be perfec candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck with muscle repair to achieve a flat abdomen and tapered waist, mons lift, liposuction to waist and lovehandles and a bit of fat grafting to hips. Most likely you will need total reconstruction of the belly button which appears to be included in the scars. 
Be encouraged!! You will look astonishing after all. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You would be an excellent candidate liposuction of your torso and a tummy tuck . Your prior incisions will be removed with excess skin.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will be great to get rid of your old scars and the loose, excess skin.  You should be able to get a fantastic result.  Talk to your PS about the procedure and options for liposuction too.  Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gjmolina1,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You are most likely a better candidate for tummy tuck, based on skin laxity. Most of your vertical scar should be removed.

Liposuction alone will only reduce fat and minimally tighten your skin. It will not remove the scars.

​An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Scar & small incisions after accident - can I get a tummy tuck or lipo? (Photo)

Answers (16)

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