Tummy tuck revision - is it possible to have this scar lowered? (Photo)

Question

Hello I have had a tummy tuck 6 months ago. The scare is much higher then I had envisioned and higher on one side. Also when I bend over there is a lot of saggy skin still. Is it possible to have this scar lowered?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Tinacccc, and thank you for your question regarding the possibility of lowering your tummy tuck scar.

Thank you for sharing your photos and history. When evaluating abdominal laxity and scars, it’s important to assess the tightness of the abdominal wall while standing. From your description, your abdominal wall appears tight and flat when standing. If you can pinch some abdominal skin while bending over, this is normal to an extent. However, the ability to pinch skin while bending does not necessarily mean that additional skin removal during a revision tummy tuck would be possible. If too much skin were removed, it could lead to functional issues, such as difficulty standing upright.

In your case, since you do not have significant excess skin, it is unlikely that your current scar can be lowered. Instead, I recommend focusing on improving the appearance of the scar itself. Options for scar enhancement include silicone ointments, silicone gel sheeting, and Fraxel laser treatments to reduce scar visibility and improve texture.

If you are concerned about excess skin in specific areas of your abdomen, you may want to explore additional procedures. A vertical abdominoplasty could address excess skin in the central portion of the abdomen by removing a large elliptical section of skin and fat from the breastbone to the pubic region. Alternatively, a lateral tummy tuck (or hourglass procedure) targets excess skin and fat on the sides of the torso, enhancing the hourglass shape.

While these procedures can refine the appearance of your abdomen, none will lower your current scar. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine the best course of action.

Good luck, and I hope this helps address your concerns.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Depending on the elasticity of the remaining skin, it is possible to lower the level of the scar. Ideally, we like to make the scar 5-7. cm from the anterior vaginal forchette tapering it into the waistline. This can be done with a light oral sedation and local tumescent anesthesia. Thank you.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; for your tummy tuck scar; really, it's pretty highly planned. Probably, for that; not Lipoabdominoplasty; since Classical Abdominoplasty method is applied; there is fat in the abdominal area. Again, if Lipoabdominoplasty technique is implemented; fat in the upper abdomen area; is reduced; since the tissues will loosen; tummy tuck scar, 2-3 cm lower; it could be easily downloaded. In the current situation, upper abdomen; applying for Vaserlipo; fat can be decreased and the tummy tuck incision is about 1-1.5 cm; can be taken down. Due to fibrosis, because of previous surgery; unfortunately, it cannot be lowered any further. Meanwhile, there is also the problem of loose skin; is resolved.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tinacccc,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Roni Prucz, MD · Answer

Thank your for your question and photos! The tummy tuck scar can be repositioned in many cases, especially if there is skin laxity. In general, I would wait a year before having a revision procedure. But it does appear that your scar can be lowered! You should discuss your care with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to provide more information.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, your surgeon is still living in the dark ages, like most surgeons, and believed that getting the hole out (where the belly button was attached) and avoiding a small, midline, vertical scar, was priority over long scar placement. Your bent over photo indicates some skin laxity and the possibility of some lowering at the midline; the lateral portion is almost never a problem to lower. You would need to be evaluated, but to be clear a full reopening of the abdominal skin, including the belly button would be necessary to get meaningful transposition of skin in the downward direction with the formation of a that vertical scar, which is never a cosmetic problem like the one you have.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The scar from your tummy tuck is placed quite high.  If you still have some lax skin the incision may be able to be lowered somewhat.  You will want to wait a few more months and then visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If your tissue is not too tight, then a revision can be done and the scar may be lowered some. Please discuss this with your surgeon.  Not all your vertical excess will be tightened with a horizontal scar.

Tummy tuck revision - is it possible to have this scar lowered? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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