Tummy Tuck Scars

Tummy tuck scars are position just below the bikini line where they are less likely to be seen. As in any surgery there will always be scars. Depending on which kind of tummy tuck you have determines the type of scar you will have.

Tummy Tuck Scars In General

Tummy tucks help by removing excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. However, the tummy tuck procedure comes with a drawback, which would be tummy tuck scars. As in every surgery each scarring is different including the tummy tuck scar.

The scars can even vary from the different kind of tummy tucks, the extent of your tummy tuck procedure and the tummy tuck surgeon's experience. Another determining factor of the resulting tummy tuck scars is the skin quality of the patient and its ability to heal. For some patients the tummy tuck scars will be less noticeable that in other cases. It is important to ask your Tummy Tuck surgeon about what complimentary methods you can use to minimize and smooth out tummy tuck scars.

Location Of The Tummy Tuck Scar

The tummy tuck scar is a results of the incisions made during the tummy tuck surgery. The tummy tuck incision goes vertically from one hip to the other. The length of the tummy tuck scar depends on the technique used and your individual case. The tummy tuck scar is located in the lower abdominal region and can be visible in the navel area.

The area where the tummy tuck located right above the pubic area, this area is covered usually by clothing, so it is less likely for anyone to notice it.

Different Tummy Tuck Scars

A full abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck will extend from hip to hip. This incision is located in the lower abdominal region and is vertical. Two more incisions are made from the full tummy tuck procedure. The first incision is horizontal and the second incision is a circle around the belly button. These specific locations are for removing the excess skin and fat from the stomach area, and helps tighten the abdominal muscles. After repositioning the stomach the doctor will have to fix the navel and may have to relocate it in many cases.

A partial abdominoplasty or also known as a mini or lower tummy tuck will not be as intense at the full tummy tuck, but they still have scars. The scar for this tummy tuck procedure is a horizontal line below the belly button and does not include the repositioning of the navel.

Ways To Hide The Tummy Tuck Scars

After having the tummy tuck surgery a patients stomach look tight and youthful after recovery. However, like with most medical procedures there are scars. Usually tummy tuck scars are covered and can easily be hidden. Here are some easy techniques to hide the tummy tuck scars:

  • By wearing specially made bikinis or swim suit you will be able to hide the tummy tuck scars comfortably. Avoid any kind of extremely low cut garment.
  • A more interesting way to hide the scar would be to convert the tummy scar into a tattoo.
  • You can put creams and lotions on that can help lighten up the scar and help the healing process go smoothly while making the tummy tuck scar less noticeable.
  • By wearing higher wasted pants will also help cover the tummy tuck scars. Again, avoid any kind of extremely low cut garment.
  • Putting heat on your scar can help make the redness of the scar lighten.
  • Rubbing aloe on the scar can help heal the scar faster and make the scar become white sooner.
  • Rubbing olive oil on the skin can help lighten the scar.
  • Also, if you’re too scared to get a real tattoo you can always get temporary tattoos to help mask the scar after the tummy tuck.
  • You can have laser skin rejuvenation treatments performed to decrease the appearance of the tummy tuck scars as well as microdermabrasion sessions. 
  • Your doctor may prescribe specialized skin treatments to help smooth out the appearance of the tummy tuck scars.
  • Avoid gaining or losing a lot of weight at one time. By doing this, you will also prevent the skin from getting stretch marks that may deteriorate the skin's appearance.

Patients Must Remember

Patients are encouraged to remember before doing trying any scar minimizing technique to first consult with their tummy tuck surgeon or a specialist. Also, do not rush and take any steps or self-diagnose without a prior medical consultation since that can cause tummy tuck scars to worse and may put you health at risk.

Healing Of The Actual Tummy Tuck Scar 

Immediately after tummy tuck surgery the scars will still look like an open wound and will have to stay covered and will have to be cleaned to help make sure no bacteria gets inside so there is no infection. The scar will look as if it’s healing.

 One thing unusual about the tummy tuck scars, is that the scars itself will actually get worse three to six months after surgery. The scars will look very red and may even get a little puffy or swelling at the incision. However, if you continue to clean the scar and put cream on to help reduce the redness the scar will heal beautifully.

Finally 9 months after the tummy tuck procedure the incisions will flatten out and turn from red to white. The tummy tuck scars can look healthy; the patient just needs to take proper care of it.

Ask you tummy tuck surgeon about complementary ways to minimize tummy tuck scars.