Skin removal - Will the scar length be reduced if skin tightening is done in two stages?

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of reducing scar length by performing skin tightening procedures, like a breast lift, buttock lift, or tummy tuck, in two stages. While it’s a thoughtful approach, performing skin removal in stages generally does not reduce the overall scar length.

In skin removal surgeries, the final scar length is determined primarily by the amount of excess skin and the degree of skin laxity that needs to be corrected. When the procedure is performed in one stage, the surgeon can typically remove all of the excess skin in a single incision, resulting in a final scar that is tailored to the amount of tissue being removed.

If skin tightening is done in two stages, the same incision site may be used for the second procedure, but the scar will ultimately need to be just as long as it would have been with a single surgery. The reason is that no matter how the skin is removed, the body requires a certain length of incision to remove a given amount of skin. Additionally, performing the procedure in two stages may increase the likelihood of healing complications or scarring irregularities, as the tissues are being operated on more than once.

While two stages may provide more gradual results, it won’t necessarily lead to a shorter scar. The best way to minimize scar visibility is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can carefully place the incision and provide proper scar care post-operatively.

I hope this answers your question and helps you in planning your procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

In general having a procedures such as a breast lift or tummy tuck broken into two stages will not result in a shorter scar and may in fact may negatively impact the result. When removing skin the surgeon's goal is to minimize the scar in terms of length and optimize location while at the same time give a result that includes an aesthetically pleasing contour and shape.

Dear Cute3330,
the length of scar will depend on the length of the incision. You can't prevent scarring but you can improve it. Also, most scars will be less visible with time. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery