I have an old scar on my lower right chest from the rib graft taken for rhinoplasty. Can I get a tummy tuck with this old scar?

Question

I wish to have a tummy tuck. I am 46 yrs old with bmi of 27. I have 2 kids from c section. Issue is I have an old scar on my last rib area from where a graft was taken for rhinoplasty. Can I get tummy tuck with this old scar.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. Rib grafts are taken with minimal disruption of blood supply of  the skin. A scar resulting from rib grafting for a  rhinoplasty should not be a problem for a Tummy Tuck procedure. All the best!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Dr. NA,

The presence of an old scar on your lower right chest from a rib graft taken for rhinoplasty should not pose a significant issue when considering a tummy tuck. Generally, for a tummy tuck procedure, your plastic surgeon is likely to utilize the existing scars from your C-sections to access the area, which means the surgery will focus on the abdominal region rather than the lower chest where your rhinoplasty scar is located.

The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to restore weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. The procedure typically involves an incision along the lower abdomen, often incorporating or improving upon existing scars such as those from C-sections, to minimize additional scarring.

Regarding your specific concern about the rib rhinoplasty scar, it may not be directly affected by the tummy tuck procedure, as the focus of the surgery is below this area. The amount of skin and fat resected during a tummy tuck depends on the amount of excess tissue you have and your specific cosmetic goals. While it's unlikely that the tummy tuck will fully excise the rib rhinoplasty scar, it should not impede the ability to proceed with the tummy tuck nor affect the outcome.

It's important to discuss your concerns and the details of your previous surgeries with your plastic surgeon during the consultation. They will assess your individual case, including the location and condition of all existing scars, to ensure the best approach is taken to achieve your desired results while minimizing the impact on or from existing scars.

In summary, your rib rhinoplasty scar should not deter you from pursuing a tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon will tailor the procedure to work with your body's unique features and surgical history, aiming to provide you with the best possible outcome.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Brian May, MD · Answer

Hi, this is a great question! There should be no issue having a tummy tuck even with your prior rib graft scar present. This generally does not increase your risk of complications nor should it negatively impact your final result. It is important however to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be sure to mention this scar during your consultation. Your surgeon will assess the location, size, and quality of the scar while performing your physical exam and will be able to more accurately advise you regarding the impact of the scar on your desired surgery.
Best of luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is unlikely at this time that there would be any significance.  You should be able to undergo a tummy tuck without complications from that scar.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ulas Bali, MD · Answer

Hello, Your old scar does not make any obstacle to have a tummy tuck, that generally does not make any complication risk. If you provide your for photos to my team and ı can make an evaluation for free.A dedication success based operation can provide your desired outcome.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The old scar from a previous rib graft should not interfere with your ability to be a candidate for a tummy tuck.  An in person evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon is best to confirm this.

Jared Blau, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

While the high abdominal scars (like from a gallbladder removal) are usually reasons to avoid a tummy tuck, a rib graft scar is usually ok

Karidy Reyes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you happen to have an old scar on your lower right chest due to a previous rib graft for rhinoplasty, there's no need to worry about getting a tummy tuck. It's essential, however, to have a conversation about this scar with your plastic surgeon during the consultation for the tummy tuck procedure, during the procedure the surgeon will take some prevention with the TT.
Your plastic surgeon will carefully assess the scar, taking into account its placement, size, and any potential implications it might have on the tummy tuck surgery. In many instances, scars from previous surgeries can be integrated into the incision for the tummy tuck or adjusted during the procedure to minimize their visibility.
During the consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss your surgical options, including how to address the existing scar, and offer recommendations based on your specific circumstances and aesthetic objectives. Make sure to openly communicate any concerns or preferences you have regarding the scar and the tummy tuck procedure with your surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome

I have an old scar on my lower right chest from the rib graft taken for rhinoplasty. Can I get a tummy tuck with this old scar?

Answers (8)

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