What are the scars like from a tummy tuck?

Charlotte area tummy tuck surgeon

Most people are looking to have a flat, toned tummy. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to achieve this by exercising and eating well. This can happen because of genetics, or may be due to changes in the body caused by pregnancy or other factors. It can be very disappointing to live a healthy lifestyle, only to find that the body of your dreams is still out of reach.

Some people turn to plastic surgery to help with this issue. A tummy tuck can help to address issues like sagging skin and separation of the abdominal muscles, to finally create the flat tummy you’ve been seeking. However, because this procedure is focused on improving the appearance of the abdomen, many people are concerned about the resulting scars.

What are the scars like from a tummy tuck? How obvious will they be?

Where is the tummy tuck scar?

The exact location of the tummy tuck scar depends on the specific type of tummy tuck that you’re having. In the standard tummy tuck, there’s a scar across the lowest part of the abdomen, between the hip points. It will usually extend all the way from one hip point to the other. In general, this scar is easy to hide even when wearing a swimsuit, because it’s placed in such a low position that almost every type of clothing (and even underwear) will cover it.

In addition to this, there’s a scar around the belly button. This is necessary, because the belly button has to be moved during the procedure. Otherwise, when excess skin was removed from the lower part of the abdomen, the belly button would end up in an unnaturally low position, resulting in a very strange abdominal appearance.

There’s also a procedure called a mini tummy tuck. The scar from this is also placed on the lower part of the abdomen, but it’s somewhat shorter – about 6 to 8 inches long. The belly button isn’t moved during this procedure, so there’s no scar around it. A mini tummy tuck isn’t right for every patient, because it can’t address certain types of issues. However, for those who are candidates for this procedure, the scar is somewhat smaller.

Some patients need an extended tummy tuck. In this version, the lower incision is extended further, past the hip points and sometimes around the flanks or to the back of the body. This type of tummy tuck would also include the scar around the belly button. Most patients who choose this option have undergone massive weight loss, and have a lot of excess tissue that they’d like to get rid of.

Charlotte area tummy tuck surgeon

It’s important to take good care of your incisions as they’re healing, because this will help to get the best possible results for the resulting scars. You’ll get detailed instructions for how to care for your incisions at the time of your surgery. Dr. Miles also offers Silagen scar therapy to help minimize scarring and includes this with every tummy tuck he performs. As long as the incisions heal well, the resulting scars will be thin, flat, and discreet in most people.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck to achieve the flat tummy you’ve been dreaming of, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles. He’ll be happy to talk with you about what’s involved, and give you his professional recommendations about what type of tummy tuck would be best for you. If you want to get the best possible results, you need a surgeon with excellent technical skills. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miles is exceptionally well-qualified and gets incredible results for his patients. Please contact our office to schedule your appointment.