Tummy tuck incision - what to expect? (Photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. The incision and planned procedure will entirely depend on what your abdomen looks like after next pregnancy, the amount/location of skin laxity and the amount of diastasis. Based on this current photo, you may be a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty.

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!

Hello and thank you for your question.

Based on the photos, you have very good muscle tone and the only way to address the excess skin and to achieve flat abdominal contour, would be through a tummy tuck. You may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck to limit the extent of the incision and limit the scar.

I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.

I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for sharing your question and picture. For a tummy tuck, the incision length can vary based on your anatomy and the amount of skin to be removed. Typically, it's from hip to hip, slightly longer than a C-section scar. Surgeons aim to place the scar low enough to be concealed by underwear or a bikini. A higher scar isn't usual, as the goal is to tighten and remove excess lower abdominal skin. The specifics can be tailored to your body and desires in consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your query. Based on your photograph, you should not need an extended tummy tuck incision. The incision has to include the C-section incision, so the incision cannot be higher. Please find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, when you are ready for the procedure, to examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

You don't need an extended tummy tuck. I'd recommend a bikini incision. Tightening the skin will fix the loose creepy skin around your belly button. Your incision does not need to be very long either.

From you photo, you do not need an extended tummy tuck. The incision should go just across your lower abdomen. It should take out and be a little longer than your C-section scar. You could also consider a mini-tummy tuck. The incision would be a little smaller and probably a littler lower. To treat the skin above the belly button, if you did a mini-TT you would need to "float" the belly button which would put it in a slightly lower position.

The position of the incision is determined on how it can be covered easier and more effectively under regular clothes: underwear, bikini, low rise jeans, etc and honestly in your case the least important will be that beautiful skin above incision. I am certain you won’t like an incision in the middle of your abdomen where it will be extremely difficult to hide under clothes.
The length hoy are right no more than couple inches longer than the c section.
Be encouraged!!! You have a wonderful frame and the Tummy tuck will make you look awesome!!
Dr. Cárdenas