Can I have a tummy tuck with an old upper scar from surgery as a baby? (Photos)

Question

Can I still have a tummy tuck with this kind of scar. I had a Ramstedt's operation (or pyloromyotomy) when I was baby 3 months old , so scar is 40 years old now, would there be any complications?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

An old Ramstedt or pyloromyotomy scar does not automatically rule out a tummy tuck, but it does change the surgical planning. The important issue is not mainly the age of the scar; it is where it sits and how it may affect the blood supply and mobility of the upper abdominal skin. A surgeon may need to modify the undermining, preserve more tissue around the scar and umbilicus, or accept a less aggressive skin pull depending on the exam.
I reviewed the photos; they show an upper abdominal scar with lower abdominal skin laxity, but photos cannot determine skin-flap circulation or internal adhesions. The main possible complications are delayed wound healing, circulation problems at the skin edges, contour irregularity, and a less ideal scar position, so this should be assessed in person by a plastic surgeon who is comfortable planning abdominoplasty after prior abdominal surgery.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

The pictures you submitted show what appears to be an area of localize scarring on your abdomen. Because this appears to be localized, it should have minimal impact on the blood flow to your skin when your surgeon raises the abdominal skin from the underlying rectus fascia. In short, I think you should be ok to have a tummy tuck. Good luck!

Athanasios Christopoulos, MD · Answer

You can undergo an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to improve the overall appearance of your abdomen. This specific scar will be moved lower and I believe its quality will be improved, although it will not disappear completely. The overall aesthetic of your abdomen will be significantly enhanced.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tricia00777,

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

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Hello, this is Dr. Berat. Based on your examination, I would recommend a tummy tuck combined with liposuction to achieve the best overall result. A tummy tuck will help tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, while liposuction will contour the waist and surrounding areas for a more defined shape.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Considering where the important blood flow comes from for a tummy tuck, I think there is a way to do a very safe operation and get you a nice result.  There is always some unknown with such a scar, but I think you have an excellent chance of getting a good result with very minimal extra risk.  There are indeed some scars that greatly increase the risk of poor blood flow and slow healing.  I do not think yours is one of those!

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. I believe that you can have a standard, full tummy tuck, despite the scar. 
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Yes, you can have a full tummy tuck and liposuction for contouring as one operation. That small upper abdominal scar will not cause any healing issues,  will not be completely removed, but it will be lowered significantly. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your post photo, I would recommend a stage tummy tuck in other words stage one would be plication of the left inferior epigastric artery van complex to validate arterial blood supply to the left side of your upper abdomen then after six weeks, have a full tummy tuck as your second stage for a better explanation please do a virtual consult total fee expenditures at least $10,000-$15,000 for the two total procedures. Regards.

Can I have a tummy tuck with an old upper scar from surgery as a baby? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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