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

The vertical tummy tuck scar is not required because the skin is thin, it is required  because you do not have a lot of excess skin.  If too much skin is removed the incision will be closed under too much tension causing wound healing problems and too high of a scar.  By placing the incision below the belly button and leaving a short vertical scar you can make the procedure safer and a better cosmetic outcome as the final incision will be lower.  This is a very good compromise to make.  Avoiding the vertical incision is not a good idea in your case.  They do very well over time.  Better safe than sorry!

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.

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.