Beauty Doc Blog

September 29.2008

Recently a reader asked:  “What kind of scars can I expect from a tummy tuck?”

Answer:  Patients get a tummy tuck to enjoy a flatter abdominal area with a toned, smoother appearance.  It is important to choose a licensed cosmetic surgery with experience performing tummy tuck procedures to ensure the beset results and least conspicuous scars.  The cosmetic surgeon will schedule an initial consultation with you to discuss realistic expectations, the procedure itself and what to expect during recovery.

Also known as abdominoplasty surgery, a tummy tuck makes your stomach look and feel firmer.  Clothing fits better and your self-esteem gets a healthy boost.  Some tummy tuck procedures leave your stomach slightly soft or rounded and may not get rid of all stretch marks.  Additionally, some scarring is inevitable after a tummy tuck.

The type of tummy tuck surgery you have determines the length, location and visibility of the scarring left after the procedure.  After a partial tummy tuck, you will have a single scar.  Patients who have a circumferential tummy tuck will have scars circling their abdomen.  The majority of tummy tuck procedures leave a scar around your navel and going from hip to hip.  Scarring is larger when you have more skin removed during the tummy tuck.  While scars from a tummy tuck may be noticeable, they are usually strategically placed to be hidden by a swimsuit and underwear.

Scarring is minimized when you choose a licensed cosmetic surgery and follow the post-surgical instructions to the letter.  Smoking will cause greater scarring and bears a higher risk of developing other complications after a tummy tuck procedure.  Because smoking inhibits your ability to heal, you should not smoke for at least two weeks before and after the surgery.  Cigarette smoke makes blood vessel in your skin constrict, minimizing oxygen delivery to the cells thus slowing your immune system.

Typically, tummy tuck scars are more noticeable when you have a long, detailed process.  The majority of scars get flatter and fade over time but often become more pronounced before they get lighter.  The scars will never totally disappear.  Some cosmetic surgeons recommend an ointment to apply to the scars toward the end of your healing process.

Patients can minimize scarring after a tummy tuck by choosing a competent, experience cosmetic surgeon and following all their post-operative instructions carefully.   Avoid smoking and have realistic expectations about the results of your plastic surgery.  Remember the scars won’t be visible in your underwear or swimsuit, so you can enjoy the confidence of a flatter tummy without worrying about unsightly scarring.