Tummy tuck done a couple of years ago. Why is a vertical scar needed for a revision? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck a couple years ago and i want to redo it but the doctor i went to needs to do a vertical scar.. why???

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

With a revision of your tummy tuck the skin around the umbilicus will get pulled down but might not be able to be removed. So the skin from the sides of the umbilicus would have to be closed in a small vertical line.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you have skin laxity above the umbilicus, there isn't enough to let the old attachment to the belly button (which becomes a hole in the skin when it is detached) to travel far enough down to be cut out with excess skin. And btw,  your transverse scar is already too high, and a small vertical midline scar is much more inconspicuous than a high transverse scar. Let the doctor do it and ask him/her to lower your transverse scar as far as possible.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear New Jerseyan,
   Thanks for posting your pictures and sorry for your sub optimal result. From observing your picture you absolutely do not need a vertical scar. In my practice of over 34 years I have performed abdominoplasty surgery on well mover 1500 patients and I have never used a vertical scar, including many revision surgeries. Most likely, your skin above the umbilicus (belly button) is loose enough to be able to bring the old belly button hole to the pubic bone, which will avoid vertical scar and the horizontal scar will be lower than what you have now. It should be just above the pubic bone and along the groin crease.
    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeon who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that the results are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, narrow waists, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar.
                            Best of luck,
                                               Dr Widder
                                      widderplasticsurgery.com

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Onaquesttofixthebutt,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A small vertical scar with a tummy tuck represents the skin formerly around the belly button.  During a tummy tuck that skin is pulled down towards the hips.  In some patients there is not enough skin to pull down whereby the belly button hole is also removed.  In those cases the belly button hole is sutured closed and presents as a small vertical scar.  Your surgeon should be able to demonstrate for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting photos. The answer is you have limited excess skin to lower so a small midline vertical scar is necessary to achieve a more tighter look.

Tummy tuck done a couple of years ago. Why is a vertical scar needed for a revision? (photos)

Answers (7)

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