Is super low placement of my tummy tuck scar possible? (Photos)

Question

How low is low enough when it comes to tummy tucks? I just want to try to be realistic and have my scar placed as low as ALL possible.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It can actually go as low as you like!! A low scar TT technique is possible in most TT patients. In your case, beacuase you seem to have enough excess skin, we can go much, much lower then your C-section(if you have one). 
I always perform Low Scar TTs.  It not only gets rid of more excess skin, but it also elevates and lifts the mons. This means the pubic area is lifted, stretched and the excess skin is cut out.  Everything gets tighter, so patients dont get that bulge bellow the TT scar. And the scar is very easely hidden. Plus, the scar is so low that it even helps pull  up some of the skin on the thighs! 
Please make sure you contact a surgeosn that performs Low Scar TTs regularly.
Best of luck on your surgery. 
Dr. Miguel Mota

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear NewYou,    Thanks for submitting your pictures. The ideal location of the tummy tuck scar is just above or at the level of the upper edge of the pubic bone centrally and along the groins crease laterally.   From observing your pictures, it appears that you have skin and muscles laxity from the chest bone  to the pubic bone. The  skin laxity, I am very confident,  will allow to place the scar at the above mentioned ideal location. That location will allow you to hide the scar easily with narrow bathing suit and small under wear.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar. Additionally, many of my patients lost significant amount of weight due to the abdominal muscles tightening that reduces the amount of food that you can eat and your sense of hunger.                                   Best of luck,                                                     Dr Widder

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I can't say hundred percent that your scar can be very low, without a small vertical scar, but it certainly seems that your upper abdominal skin will stretch to allow for placement of a low scar. This is better determined with an examination.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  A tummy tuck scar placement will depend on any previous scars that you have along your abdomen as well as the degree of skin laxity present in your stomach.  The lower the scar the greater risk there is of a small vertical one being present somewhere between the horizontal scar and the placement of your new belly button.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon, they can offer you the best advice on incision placement based on your goals.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Hello there,Your scar can go low but to have a better sense of what "low" means, you ought to come in for a consultation.The scar placement is based on many things:1.  Quality of your skin-- how much stretch does the skin above the belly button have?2.  Measurements of your abdomen- ideally there has to be enough excess skin of the upper abdomen to cover the distance from your belly button to your pubic lineThere are modifications that can be applied to adjust for some length discrepancies but these make more sense to review at the time of your consultation.Good luck!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  In our practice planning the incision line for tummy tuck surgery is done after careful communication of patients' goals and preferences. I find that marking patients the day before surgery, as much as possible, with the help of the patient's planned swimming suit or undergarment, helps when it comes to placement of incisions…
In most cases, the tummy tuck incision can be kept very low, usually at or below  the pubic hair line (or at or below an existing C-section scar).
The use of the progressive tension relieving suture technique (sutures placed between the abdominal wall flap and the underlying abdominal wall fascia) allows us to keep the resulting scar low and relieve some of the tension upon the tummy tuck closure.  Reducing tension upon the incision line helps keep scars as far as possible.
Sometimes, especially for patients with a relatively short torso and/or minimal redundant abdominal wall skin, a short vertical scar is necessary ( in addition to the usual transverse tummy tuck scar). This vertical scar results from closure of the previous umbilical opening and prevents excessive tension upon closer in the midline of the tummy tuck incision line. If this vertical incision is not used, patients may end up with high scars, wound healing problems and/or wider scars.
 Patients should keep in mind that the lower the incision line used for tummy tuck surgery, the less skin can be removed at or above the umbilicus.  This may be especially relevant for patients who have stretch marks and/or piercings above the umbilicus.  Sometimes, patients elect to have their incision lines placed higher so that more skin and/or an existing supra umbilical piercing can be removed  during the tummy tuck procedure. 
 Always best to communicate your goals, concerns, and questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
 Best wishes.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question and photographs.
   Tummy tuck scar placement depends on many anatomical factors
1  it should  be just above upper edge of pubic bone in mid line... not below than this  and it tigthen the Mons also
2  supera umbilical extra skin and distance of umbilicus to  skin incision   so skin can be  sutured after excision  or you may have  little vertical scar of umbilical closure
3 laterally it is usually below than your groin fold..... lower the incision   it will  reduces   defination of waist line curvature.... balance it
 Hope this information will help you to make decision
 Best of luck
Dr Milan Doshi

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

Thanks for a great question.
In general terms, the tummy tuck incision should be low enough to be concealed by underwear or bathing suit bottoms.
However, generally speaking, most plastic surgeons adhere to the "rule of seven."  That is to say the incision should be at least 7 cm (about 4 inches) above the fornix of the vagina.  Any lower -- and one risks distorting the shape of the vagina and even changing the direction of the urinary stream (you might pee in an odd direction).  
I hope this answers the question.

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

I know this wasn't exactly your question - but looking at your photos I think you are most likely to be a better candidate for a bodylift (abdominoplasty that goes all the way around).  This will improve the appearance of your hips & flanks too.  In terms of the scar this can be placed very low, so it is hidden in underwear/bikini bottoms.  All the best

Is super low placement of my tummy tuck scar possible? (Photos)

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