Tummy Tuck - Fake Looking Stomach?

There are many slight variations on how tummy tucks can be done and how the incision is placed. We always try to keep the scar as low and as hidden as possible. However each patient is different and these differences have a certain impact on the final result. You should look at a lot of before/after pictures before choosing your board certified plastic surgeon. Find one who's technique you like
Sincerely

Martin Jugenburg, MD

I am curious about what pictures you are looking at seeing high incisions.  In most cases the incisions are at the same level if not lower than a c-section incision.  The length of the incision depends on the amount of loose skin and, at minimum, the horizontal incision is about three times as long as the distance between your pubis and your belly button.  Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes extra skin and tighten the underlying muscles.  It does not add muscle definition - that involves exercise on your part.  If you post some "before" pictures of yourself, we may be able to give you some advice on what results you can expect.

 

Good Luck.

Some results from tummy tucks can be very beautiful. Other results may show an improvement, but may look unnatural or unattractive.  The ideal tummy tuck will leave a woman with a smaller waist and no scars around the belly button. Look at many, many before and after photos. Select a plastic surgeon who provides beautiful, natural results.

The incision is based on how much extra skin you have.The tightness or fake appearance will go away after the tissues have had a chance to relax and the swelling goes down.

Here are my suggestions.  You and your surgeon can control the position of the scar.  Bring in a pair of underwear panties and the surgeon will outline them.  Then he/she can draw the position of the scar so that it will fall within these pantyline.  In this way you can see where the scar would be.  Second, I totally agree with you that sometimes the abdomen looks "fake" afterwards.  That is because the natural curves and valleys of the abdomen are obliterated.  If the surgeon performs liposuction in the upper abdomen for contouring, this wll help achieve the natural curves of the abdomen.  If they don't want to do that, they can place a gauze roll in the upper abdomen and tape it in place for 1 week.  This will also help create curves.  The other thing that is very important is to remove some of the fat underneath where the belly button will be inset.  This makes a big difference.  Third, how the belly button looks makes a big difference.  There are little ways to improve this appearance as well.  So yes there are things that can be done.  My best advice to you:  meet with several plastic surgeons and look at many before and after photos.  When you find someone whose pictures match your aesthetic sense, that is probably the right surgeon for you.

Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD