Why are there different shapes for Tummy Tuck scars?

Question

Doctors why do people's tummy tuck scars look zig zag or in a V? When getting a tummy tuck why can't the scar be straight? I want the surgery but I don't want my scar to be like that.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You can definitely have a straight low scar.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy 
tucks and body contouring procedures each year.  Then look at the 
plastic surgeon's 
 website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can  
deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

For
 most people, a tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision placed low on 
the torso, usually within the bikini line.  If a person has undergone 
significant weight loss, it could be that they require a "fleur de lys" 
tummy tuck which involves a vertical incision (and scar) as well as a 
horizontal incision.  This allows the plastic surgeon to remove 
redundant skin higher up on the abdomen in addition to saggy skin low on
 the belly.
A
 scar that has a "zig zag" appearance is not at all typical of a 
standard abdominoplasty.  It could be that something went wrong during 
or after the procedure, or perhaps the surgeon was not well qualified to
 perform the operation.
I'd
 advise you to consult at least two highly-skilled, board certified 
plastic surgeons whose websites indicate that they perform tummy tucks 
quite often.  Ask all your questions and listen carefully to their input.  If you make a good choice of plastic surgeon, there's every reason that
 you'll be very happy with your tummy tuck (including the scar).
Elliot Jacobs, M.D.
New York Plastic Surgeon

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, that's an interesting question. The tummy tuck technic has been in development for over 100 years. Originally, the first problem with the technic was what to do with the belly button, but as the procedure was perfected, and bathing suits became smaller, and in different shapes, the tummy tuck surgery had to undergo some changes. During the 80's for example, tummy tucks were made with a deep V, because of the high riding bathing suit in fashion at the moment. Since fashion nowadays is actually very personal, some people like to use low riding garments, others a little higher, etc; what I like to do is tell the patient to bring a bathing suit and underwear that they would normally like to wear, on the day of the surgery, that way, when I make my markings, the scar will remain hidden inside the clothes. I don't like a straight line, as you stated prefer, because the outer portion of the scar will hang outside every piece of bathing suit you might wear. The zig zag is not normal, either that patient had a mishap during the post operative period or the scar was not adequately done. So you see, different shapes, just mean different fashions, A good surgeon will always make a scar suited to your needs, and that will be easily concealable. Hope to have been of some help.

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

Typically, a tummy tuck incision is made just above the pubic region, hidden by a bikini bottom or underwear, as well as an incision around the belly button. The length of the scar is determined by the amount of skin required to remove.  A scar that may have had wound healing complications or was performed by a surgeon that is not experienced in the procedure can have an unsightly appearance. The best suggestion is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss wound-healing and scarring risks, as well as viewing before-and-after photos of the surgeon's work.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In my experience tummy Tuck scars are almost always straight or with Ace very slight curve up at the ends.  I have never seen in the shape or zigzag scar done by a plastic surgeon who is experienced in board certified. Please see the link below.

Why are there different shapes for Tummy Tuck scars?

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