Thin Skin Above Belly Button my Require Vertical Scar for Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Question

I saw a ps regarding Tt and she said that since my bb is high and the skin right above the bb is thin that i might require a vertical scar. My question is, is there any think I can do or use in that area to thicken the skin to avoid the vertical scar? I am not scheduled for surgery until mid June.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

From your photos, this is something that your plastic surgeon should have pointed out as she or he did.  During the surgery, that decision will be made, and you may not need this maneuver.  This depends upon skin laxity and aggressiveness of surgical technique.  There is nothing you will be able to do to help the skin.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

Sometimes, especially for patients with a relatively short torso and/or minimal redundant abdominal wall skin, a short vertical scar is necessary ( in addition to the usual transverse tummy tuck scar). This vertical scar results from closure of the previous umbilical opening and prevents excessive tension upon closer in the midline of the tummy tuck incision line. If this vertical incision is not used, patients may end up with wound healing problems and much wider scars. Sometimes these vertical scars can be revised/ removed ( usually one year or more after the tummy tuck surgery).   I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

In your particular case one of your photos suggest that you may have an umbilical hernia (the bulge). If so discuss the pros and cons of its repair. There is nothing to thicken your skin to prevent a vertical scar. On the brighter side is that if there is enough laxity of your skin you many not need one and secondly, if you do it is usally quite small and would be located near your pubic hair. Most important is making sure you find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck surgery and body contouring it is rare to see a patient that would need a vertical scar tummy tuck. You are an excellent candidate for a regular tummy tuck or the type that I perform- High Tension Abdominoplasty. Your umbilicus is not high, and you have plenty of loose skin that can be removed.

	A vertical tummy tuck is usually reserved for patients who have had massive weight loss of 100-200 lbs! You are not in that catagory. I recommend that you do your research prior to proceeding with your tummy tuck.

Joseph M. Perlman, MD · Answer

From the position of your belly button, I would think that your plastic surgeon would have to pull dangerously tight on the abdominal flap in order to remove all the skin from the belly button down, so you will have a vertical scar. Most vertical scars are not noticeable and they are within the panty line. Discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon. I explained patients that some procedures require the patient to accept a trade-off of a scar for the ultimate result of a flattened tummy.

Thin Skin Above Belly Button my Require Vertical Scar for Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Vertical Scar Tummy Tuck

Answer: Vertical Scar Tummy Tuck

Answer: It's difficult to thicken the skin

Answer: It's difficult to thicken the skin

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Thin Skin Above Belly Button my Require Vertical Scar for Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Vertical Scar Tummy Tuck

Answer: Vertical Scar Tummy Tuck

Answer: It's difficult to thicken the skin

Answer: It's difficult to thicken the skin

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.