Tummy tuck incision - what to expect? (Photo)

Thank you for your inquiry! An in-person consultation would allow me to determine what would be your best option. We love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgery to help you reach your goals.

Thank you for your question, 16huck.

Given your height and weight, as well as your satisfaction with your natural hips and flanks, you would likely benefit from a standard horizontal tummy tuck with muscle repair. The incision for this procedure is typically placed underneath your existing C-section scar and extended laterally.

While you mentioned hoping for an incision about 2 inches longer on each side than your C-section scar, it’s important to note that most plastic surgeons would likely need to make the tummy tuck incision a bit longer to achieve optimal results. The length of the incision is often dictated by the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed to create a smooth, flat abdomen.

There are two common incision patterns for a tummy tuck: the standard horizontal incision and the high lateral tension incision. The latter involves extending the lateral limbs of the incision upward, which can result in a better body shape but also a more visible scar. This might be a consideration if you frequently wear low-cut underwear or bikinis, as the scar could be more noticeable.

Regarding your concern about utilizing the "good skin" above your C-section scar, the tummy tuck incision needs to be placed underneath the C-section scar to ensure optimal blood flow to the area. This placement helps in the healing process and overall results.

When you consult with plastic surgeons, it can be very helpful to ask them to draw the proposed tummy tuck incision with a marker. This visual aid will allow you to go home and consider the length and placement of the scar over a few days, ensuring you are comfortable with the proposed plan.

Consult with as many board-certified plastic surgeons as necessary to feel confident about your decision and the expected outcomes.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I hope this helps answer your question regarding the tummy tuck incision.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thanks for your question! Your scar would run hip bone to hip bone, so a traditional standard/full tummy tuck. We will traditionally use the c-section scar or go a bit lower to keep the incision as low as possible. Good luck!