Will my previous scarring from surgery cause problems for me to have a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I am 52 and bmi 28. I have quite a few scars on my stomach from previous surgeries. Most of my scars are at least 25 years old . I want to know if they will cause problems for me to have a tummy tuck . I M especially worried about the scar just. above my belly button.

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Keelylewis93
Thanks for your question and sharing your photograph. You will need a clinical assessment by a plastic surgeon who can assess the scars location, presence of scar tissue and amount of excess skin. The scars below your belly button will go after abdominoplasty and scar above the belly button potentially can go as well but one needs to examine you before telling you for sure.  I hope you find this explanation helpful. Amir Sadr MD

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

It should be possible to perform a tummy tuck and include removal of the scar above your belly button, but in order to do this you may need to accept a slightly higher scar than usual following this operation (depending on how lax your abdominal tissues are and how tight they are on closure).

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

HI Keelylewis93,
I would envision the existing scar above the belly button, and the right lower quadrant scar, going away during a tummy tuck.
The top horizontal incision above the belly button will be made into the top incision for the tummy tuck. This scar is slightly higher toward the sides than would be typical (I would make a gentle curve with the maximum just above the belly button), and this means that the off-midline portion of your post-op scar will be higher than some. As long as you are okay with a slightly-higher-than-usual final scar position (ask your PS for their estimate as to where the scar would be), your existing scars would not preclude surgery.
Separate but related--your PS will want to know WHY you have these scars-the horizontal scar, if continued through to the intra-abdominal space--would have cut through both six pack muscles, which may impact your core strength and ability to have rectus muscle plication.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, if you have the cut above the scar it won’t be any problem, and also you remove that scar, probable you have enough extra skin to cut the above the scar

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Keelylewis93,
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

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Previous scarring from surgery can potentially impact a tummy tuck, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can't have the procedure. Several factors will determine whether previous scars will cause issues:
1.	Location of Scars: If the scars are in or near the area where the tummy tuck will be performed, they may need to be addressed. Scars that intersect with the planned incision line can be incorporated into the new incision to minimize additional scarring.
2.	Type of Scars: The type and severity of the scars (e.g., hypertrophic, keloid, or well-healed flat scars) can influence the surgical approach. Keloid or hypertrophic scars may require special treatment to prevent recurrence.
3.	Healing and Skin Quality: The quality of your skin and how well it heals will play a role in the outcome. Previous surgeries might have affected the skin's elasticity and blood supply, which could impact healing.
4.	Surgeon's Experience: An experienced plastic surgeon can often work around or even improve the appearance of previous scars during a tummy tuck. They can use advanced techniques to minimize scar tissue and promote better healing.
It's essential to discuss your previous surgeries and show your scars to your plastic surgeon during the consultation. They will assess the scars, evaluate your skin, and determine the best approach for your tummy tuck to achieve the best possible results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it may interfere with the circulation to your skin, so the mini tuck with liposuction to your upper abdomen would be safer.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and pictures.

After evaluating your case you seem to be a great candidate for a Tummy Tuck to remove the skin excess on the abdomen combined whit 360 liposusuction to reshape your body. The BMI neet to be under 33 for surgery. By combining these procedures we can achieve goog results. 
There’s no problem when performing these procedures because the scar on the upper part of your abdomen will pass to be on the new scar of the tummy tuck

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help your clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photo the horizontal scar above your belly button may be problematic.  This could interfere with proper healing from a tummy tuck.  An in person evaluation is best.  Your surgeon will advise you if you are still a candidate after an examination and review of your medical history.

Douglas McGeorge, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Assessment of the impact your scars may have is best done on examination, at the time of consultation.
Modifying techniques should allow treatment.  The mid-line scar above your umbilicus is unlikely to create a major problem.
I would suggest seen kin an opinion from a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, to be properly counselled.

Will my previous scarring from surgery cause problems for me to have a tummy tuck? (Photos)

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