What Will My Scar Look Like After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
So, you want to undergo tummy tuck surgery, but you are worried about scarring? It's not possible to avoid scarring when undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. Rest assured though, steps are taken to ensure that scarring is kept to a minimum. The incision is strategically placed in regions that can be hidden by underclothing, and for those who have a C-section scar, the tummy tuck incision will be made in the same location. At Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D., we will provide a post-operative plan that incorporates scar management techniques to aid in reducing the visibility of the scars during the recovery process.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and understand what kind of scarring you can expect from the procedure, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso. He will meet with you to discuss your goals and answer any questions that you might have. During the consultation, he will also explain what you can expect from incision placement and potential scarring.
Types of tummy tucks and scarring
The degree of scarring and how the incision heals vary based on the type of tummy tuck.
Dr. LaGrasso performs three types of tummy tuck surgeries:
Full tummy tuck
One of the most common cosmetic procedures performed on women with significant skin folds after multiple pregnancies is the full tummy tuck. This involves an incision that is made from hip to hip, above the pubic area, resulting in a horizontal scar that can be easily hidden when wearing undergarments. During the procedure, excess fat is removed via liposuction, followed by skin tightening and repositioning of the belly button to achieve a natural appearance. The abdominal muscles are also tightened for a firmer, toned look.
Mini tummy tuck
The mini tummy tuck, also known as the Brazilian tummy tuck, is an alternative technique to the traditional full tummy tuck. This procedure is ideal for patients who are already in relatively good shape with a healthy skin tone but still have loose skin on the lower abdomen. Unlike the full tummy tuck, the incision is smaller, and the belly button remains unaffected. Excess fat is removed with liposuction, followed by removal and tightening of the loose skin.
Extended tummy tuck
The extended tummy tuck is a more advanced procedure recommended for patients who require significant skin tightening and body contouring, typically those who have undergone significant weight loss. This technique was developed for patients who experience excessive folds of skin even after a full tummy tuck. The incision may extend around the navel, flank, and lower back to tighten the necessary areas. Liposuction is still used to remove excess fat, and the excess skin is trimmed and tightened. Similar to the full tummy tuck, the belly button is repositioned to achieve a natural appearance.
Schedule a tummy tuck consultation in Miami, FL
If you want to undergo a tummy tuck but are worried about the degree of scarring you will experience after surgery, we encourage you to meet with Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. in Miami, FL to discuss the procedure. He will explain the placement of the incisions, aftercare, and how much scarring you can expect following a tummy tuck. Contact us to learn more today.