Do Tummy Tuck Scars Go Away?
Many patients are concerned about the scars that result from tummy tuck surgery. This blog discusses the different types of scars depending on the surgical techniques used, how permanent tummy tuck scars are, factors that affect the scar’s appearance, and how to cover up tummy tuck scars.
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Is a Tummy Tuck Worth the Scar?
Most of us want to feel completely comfortable and confident in our bodies, yet it can be challenging to achieve that when certain body regions harbor long-standing insecurities. For many people, excess fat on the stomach can be an area of insecurity. Unfortunately, the stomach is one of the toughest body areas for people to lose unwanted fat due to its typical resistance to diet and exercise methods. Many people struggle to lose stomach fat, even while eating nutritious foods and sticking to a regular exercise routine.
Tummy tuck surgery provides an option for those who struggle to get the toned, smooth, and firm abdominal contours that are difficult, if not impossible, to achieve through alternative methods. However, an essential part of a tummy tuck involves the creation of incisions, allowing the plastic surgeon to adjust skin, fat, and underlying muscles in the abdominal area. These incisions will inevitably create scars as the skin around the incision sites heal.
Many patients are excited to get a tummy tuck, as this procedure can trim excess skin, eliminate stubborn stomach fat, and tighten the abdominal muscles. Yet some patients are concerned about the scars that come with a tummy tuck. Ultimately, the decision of whether the surgery is worth the scar will depend on the patient’s personal preferences. Tummy tuck patients are typically very satisfied with their results and find that the flat and well-defined stomach contours they receive are worth the trade-off of getting a scar.
Tummy Tuck Scars
The scar that a patient gets will vary based on the surgical techniques used during their procedure. Every patient has a unique body and aesthetic goals, and these factors will determine which type of tummy tuck is best for them.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Patients who mainly want to improve the appearance of the lower stomach—in between the belly button and pubic region—may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. This type of tummy tuck is known for having a smaller incision than the traditional tummy tuck, which typically results in a smaller horizontal scar along the bikini line.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
For the traditional tummy tuck, there is a horizontal incision above the pubic area that typically goes from one hip to the other. There is also often an additional incision around the belly button, allowing the surgeon to adjust the belly button to complement the new stomach contours.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Similar to the other variations of tummy tuck surgery, the extended tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen region above the pubic area. The extended tummy tuck incision is usually longer than the traditional tummy tuck to allow the surgeon to make more extensive adjustments to the abdominal area. This option is typically best for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have a lot of excess sagging skin that they would like to remove.
Can You Get a Tummy Tuck Without a Scar?
Tummy tuck surgery will always involve a scar due to the incisions made during the procedure. There is no way to get a tummy tuck without creating this scar. However, your surgeon will do their best to make the incisions in areas that can be easily covered up. You will also receive instructions on caring for your incision sites to promote healing and get the best possible results.
Are Tummy Tuck Scars Permanent?
Tummy tuck scars are permanent, but many can significantly fade over time, reducing their visibility. Experienced, board-certified surgeons will make the horizontal incision low on the abdomen and above the pubic region, allowing the resulting scar to be covered with most underwear and bathing suit waistbands.
Factors That Affect Your Tummy Tuck Scar
Everyone’s body is different and will heal in their own time. How our bodies heal affects the appearance of the scar and how quickly it fades; while some factors are within the patient’s control, others are not.
Factors that can impact your tummy tuck scar include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Skin color
- Age
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery care
How to Cover Tummy Tuck Scars
Once patients are informed that they can expect their tummy tuck scars to be permanent, many will want to know the best ways to keep these scars hidden. Luckily, the strategic placement of the tummy tuck scar is typically discreet enough to be hidden by most clothing, underwear, and bathing suits. Patients may want to let their surgeon know prior to surgery what styles of bathing suit bottoms and underwear they typically wear so the surgeon can design the scar to be hidden by these clothing items.
Can You Tattoo Over a Tummy Tuck Scar?
Some patients may be interested in getting a tattoo over their tummy tuck scar to hide where the incision was made. If this is an option you are considering, it is important to bring it up during your tummy tuck consultation and ask your surgeon how it might affect your scar’s appearance. Generally speaking, patients should wait at least one year (if not longer) before getting a tattoo in this area. This is because the scar’s appearance changes a lot in the first year, and getting a tattoo over the scar too soon could hinder the healing process.
Can Laser Treatment Remove Tummy Tuck Scars?
Laser treatments can often be used to improve the appearance of scars. Some patients may be candidates for laser treatments after their tummy tuck surgery; however, patients will have to wait until the scar heals before they can get this treatment. Additionally, patients should not expect laser treatment to completely erase their tummy tuck scars. Tummy tuck scars can be made less visible and improve overall with laser treatment, but they will not be erased.
Have More Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Ladera Ranch, CA?
If you’re planning on getting a tummy tuck, scheduling a consultation is one of the first steps to take in order to achieve your aesthetic vision. Dr. Allen Doezie performs tummy tuck surgery in Ladera Ranch, CA, and loves helping patients restore their confidence and feel good in their bodies.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doezie, call (949) 481-9850 or fill out our online contact form today.