What can be done with a 1 inch vertical scar from tummy tuck?

Question

I just had a full tummy tuck 6 days ago. Everything is going well, but ps told me morning of surgery I required a 1 inch vertical scar because of naval/skin issues. I am 48, 5'7 125 lbs. 3 pregnancies ( 1 c/s). Belly looks amazing, but I am flustered over this vertical scar and wonder what result would have been if it was not done. PS said horizontal scar would have to have been raised too high. Can this vertical scar be removed or tattood? please advise. thanx

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

Sometimes, especially for patients with a relatively short torso and/or minimal redundant abdominal wall skin, a short vertical scar is necessary ( in addition to the usual transverse tummy tuck scar). This vertical scar results from closure of the previous umbilical opening and prevents excessive tension upon closer in the midline of the tummy tuck incision line. If this vertical incision is not used, patients may end up with wound healing problems and much wider scars. Sometimes these vertical scars can be revised/ removed ( usually one year or more after the tummy tuck surgery).   I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Occasionally, there is not enough skin laxity to properly close the abdomen after a tummy tuck and there are two options: A horizontal-only scar that is higher than normal, or a low horizontal scar that has a 1-2 inch vertical component (upside-down T).  You had the second option.  Of the hundreds of Tummy Tucks that I perform each year, this is only necessary in a handful of cases and I always alert the patient to a possibility before the surgery so that there is no confusion or concern after. It is unusual that your surgeon did not discuss this possibility with you before, but it should heal very well and it is likely that you will hardly notice this vertical component. Follow your surgeon's advice through the recovery process.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Which you experienced happens occasionally when the navel is anatomically high on the abdominal wall. Allow us to totally remodel and it will probably be very inconspicuous. Tattoos of her scars are becoming more common.

Glenn M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

I
know that any unexpected change during surgery can feel very unsettling. Using
a vertical incision during a tummy tuck is only done in very specific
circumstances, and the surgeon’s choice in doing so is definitely one that’s
made in the interest of seeing better long-term results. Typically, a small
surgical scar will heal up to nearly invisible as time passes, although it may
feel very conspicuous right now. You should see a lot of improvement over the
next six months, with continued fading until about the 18 month mark. Some
patients do choose to get tattoos over their tummy tuck scars, but that’s a
personal choice you’ll have to make for yourself.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

This vertical scar is sometimes necessary to prevent wound healing problems.  The scar can be excised in the future once everything has healed.

What can be done with a 1 inch vertical scar from tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scars fade much more than you expect over time.

Answer: Scars fade much more than you expect over time.

Answer: Vertical scar after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Vertical scar after an abdominoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can be done with a 1 inch vertical scar from tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scars fade much more than you expect over time.

Answer: Scars fade much more than you expect over time.

Answer: Vertical scar after an abdominoplasty

Answer: Vertical scar after an abdominoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.