Can a vertical scar from previous procedures be removed at the same time as an extended tummy tuck? (photo)

Question

I'm interested in a tummy tuck. If I'm not a candidate for the FDL tummy tuck and get an extended TT, could my previous vertical scar be removed? Thank you. PREVIOUS SURGERIES: Lapriscopic hysterectomy Open ab surgery to repair tear during hysterectomy Large incisional hernia/AWR with mesh x2 (first surgery for hernia failed)

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you can get rid of your vertical scar from prior surgery and undergo an extended tummy tuck. First, I would suggest you have a horizontal component to your tummy tuck; this means an incision would be made horizontally from hip to hip to reduce excess skin and fat from your lower abdomen, mons region. Usually, during a horizontal tummy tuck, the excess skin and fat are removed just above the belly button are removed. In your case, The only part of the scar that will be removed is the portion below the belly button. Therefore, not a large portion of your scar will be removed with the horizontal tummy tuck. If you have a fleur de lis incision, the horizontal tummy tuck is already communicated with a vertical scar which you already have. Therefore, the scar will be revised. In my opinion, I would not do the fleur de lis because it could compromise and jeopardize your hernia repair. In my opinion, I would have the horizontal tummy tuck by itself. I would then consider doing laser scar revision with a Fraxel laser or even micro needling. The fleur de lis or surgical revision scar would not yield as good results as laser treatment. I hope this helps answer your question regarding whether you can get rid of your vertical scar from prior surgery and undergo an extended tummy tuck. 
If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. Reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss include an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift, mastopexy, arm lift, brachioplasty, torsoplasty, back lift, buttock augmentation, and buttock lift.  Since these reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss,   are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 of each procedure you are considering for reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars below the belly button may be removed during a tummy tuck. Scars that are above the belly button will be shifted down to the lower abdomen as this skin replaces the skin that is removed. From your photos, your vertical scar will not be removed entirely, but will shift slightly toward your waist.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo. Unfortunately, the scar you have can never be "removed" through any variation of tummy tuck surgery. It can however be "revised" with the goal of ending up with a thinner, finer white line.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi SnatchThis,
Both the standard (face up only) and extended (face down first, followed by face up) versions of the tummy tuck remove a horizontal wedge of tissue, relying on the excess upper abdominal skin and flexing the with the waist in the operating room to get the incision closed. Typically, the tissue that is removed would be from the belly button down to the pubic hairline.
Specific to your question, for a planned extended tummy tuck, the existing scar from the bellybutton to the pubic hairline would be removed. The scar which is originating between her breasts and ending at the belly button would stay.
Also worth noting is that because of your prior surgeries, and especially because the existing scar above the belly button would be tethered to the abdominal wall, it is possible that your skin would stretch down less well than patients who have not had surgery. Stated differently, you could expect a vertically higher horizontal scar after a tummy tuck than other patients.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Doing a tummy tuck in the setting of a prior ventral hernia with mesh is at risk for mesh infection and further complications.  More details are needed to understand more details about your prior surgery before embarking on this risky procedure.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Great question, With an extended TT and not a FDL, the bottom portion of your existing vertical scar will be removed but not entirely.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the vertical scar extends too high to be completely removed during extended tummy tuck surgery.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A full tummy tuck will remove the portion of the vertical scar below your umbilicus. I would not do a fdl. Your vertical scar actually healed  pretty nicely. I would not mess with it

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SnatchThis,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A traditional tummy tuck or not get rid of your midline scar. You would be a candidate for a Fleur de lis which would remove that scar and replace it with a new one. I would be hesitant to repair/placate your rectus muscle after having undergone a large ventral hernia repair in the past, as this can change and affect that repair. Good luck.

Can a vertical scar from previous procedures be removed at the same time as an extended tummy tuck? (photo)

Answers (20)

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