Because an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure,
removes unwanted loose skin from your body, it does require a large incision which may leave a scar. Where this scar is located, how it
appears, and how it heals are all important factors to the patients we support at Athēnix Body Sculpting Institute.
Here are some
various aspects that can influence your results.
Tummy Tuck and Scar Placement
Athēnix surgeons focus on body contouring
procedures, such as tummy tucks, and have conducted these surgeries extensively. The experience they offer helps them create the most attractive
results possible.
As part of your procedure, your surgeon will try to choose a site for your tummy tuck incision that is not visible
even when you are wearing underwear or a bikini bottom. The goal, after all, is the most significant improvement in your appearance possible.
Taking the time to plan the location of the scar is part of this process.
A mini-tummy tuck and full tummy tuck require different
incision lengths since the former takes away less skin than the latter. Generally, the full tummy tuck procedure goes from hipbone to hipbone
while the mini-tummy tuck may only be the size of a typical C-section incision. Our surgeons are able to make the incision on an existing
C-section scar to reduce the overall scarring from your tummy tuck.
Your tummy tuck may also require creating a new belly button if
the loose skin starts above the naval and needs to be tightened. This is another area in which the skill of your surgeon is key. Reproducing a
natural looking belly button that will stay in shape as the skin heals is an art, and it is essential to natural-looking results.
Healing After a Tummy Tuck
Outside of the surgical choices that your Athēnix doctor makes, the appearance of your scar is also influenced
by your natural healing abilities and the pigmentation of your skin. Some of our patients will heal more completely or more quickly than others.
Similarly, lighter or darker skin may contrast differently with the scar.
The final appearance of your tummy tuck results also
depends on how carefully you follow our post-operative instructions. Our team will take the time to counsel you about recovery and to answer any
questions you may have.
Your Athēnix surgeon may give you antibiotics as a precaution against infection, and he or she will advise
that you keep your incision clean and dry. Likely, your surgeon will also warn you against putting tension on the incision site following
surgery and strenuous activities should be avoided. He or she may also recommend creams or topical treatments that you can use to help reduce
the appearance of scarring.
Finally, we advise that you remain patient, as it will take time for your tummy tuck scar to heal to its
final state. The good news is that you can almost immediately enjoy the new contour of your body that surgery provides with a flatter, more
attractive abdomen.
See pictures of patients who have
benefited from our tummy tuck surgeries. For more information on Tummy Tuck Scars contact our specialists in Bellevue, Fresno, Irvine, Pasadena or Portland.