Is a tummy tuck possible with my scar on stomach? (photos)

Question

I have a scar from when I had pyloric stenosis at 3 weeks old. Will I still be able to get a tummy tuck? If so, would the scar still be visible and where about would it sit? I do not mind the actual scar, but its very fatty around it and would like it to be flat. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Having realistic expectations is a good start on your decision process. It's really hard to tell how deep the scar tissue is but it should be possible to perform liposuction and tummy tuck together to make the skin tight by removing the excess skin. Liposuction will remove the fat all around your abdomen and waist. Overall the improvement will be on a high level. The scar appearance hopefully would be only visible but not as prominent. I'd advise you to have a consultation by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You may still be able to get a tummy tuck despite the upper abdominal incision in your past. This situation has to be balanced with certain risks and your goals. A formal evaluation by your plastic surgeon will be helpful.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Riedesma96,
The skin that is removed with a tummy tuck typically goes from the top border of the belly button and gently curves downward toward the hips, removing an ellipse shape from the lower abdomen (from belly button to pubic hairline). Your existing pyloric stenosis scar sits just above the standard excision pattern. 
I would suggest evaluation by a plastic surgeon....it would likely not be safe to leave a skinny bridge of skin between the new upper incision and your old scar (this residual skin would have marginal blood supply and might die). Your surgeon may suggest making your existing scar part of the top incision, but the downstream result of this decision would be that your tummy tuck scar would be higher on the abdomen than most. An ideal scar sits at the level of the pubic hairline, ~6 or 7cm from the introitus. Yours may sit higher--how high is a question best posed to the surgeon who examines you.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Plastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and pictures.  You can have a tummy tuck but the entire old scar will be pulled down to below the umbilicus.  One of concerns would be the blood supply to the skin and preventing skin loss.  Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, after analyzed your pictures the first recommendation is 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.-

Kind regards,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you can undergo a tummy tuck. The scar will be transposed down to the inferior area below the site of the new umbilicus. It is possible that the contour will have to be revised since it is indented.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It goes without saying that only an in-person examination can give you a great answer and address your issues. But, I'll try to lay out the issues. First, I suspect that you skin is adherent (stuck) to your body wall. So the solution is to disrupt this situation by releasing the scar from the body wall. This can be done directly or with an abdominoplasty. The problem is that with an abdominoplasty, the soft tissue thickness will not be normal. There will be a divot. Direct excision would help that but not be a good idea when performing an abdominoplasty. Fat transfer as a secondary procedure after an abdominoplasty could work, but will likely not be perfect. The second concern has to do with the blood supply below the incision. This is the same question we see following open cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal through direct incision). If we lift the skin broadly from below, the blood supply from above could be compromised just below your current scar. In-person physical examination could put that risk in perspective. You have an interesting situation that requires some experience and thought. Make sure that you find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon as you seek a solution to your needs.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi. Yes, you can have a tummy tuck even though you have a scar from your pyloric stenosis repair. The tummy tuck scar would have to be higher than normal. In other words, the resulting horizontal scar would not be all the way down in your pubic region like it usually is for tummy tucks. It would be a little higher than that, somewhere between your belly button and pubic region.  Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rledesma96,
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

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. Ideally a tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks (love handles) will give you the best result. Liposuction will remove excess fat and sculpt your body down to a beautiful shape.  The tummy tuck will remove the excess tissue and skin to give you the best result. Your scar will not be a factor. Where it ends up will depend on how much tissue is removed but will probably end up very low on your abdomen. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. In our office we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Is a tummy tuck possible with my scar on stomach? (photos)

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