Does A Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

One of the most common concerns potential abdominoplasty patients have is related to the amount of scarring left after the procedure. The truth is that all incisions will leave a scar. It is also true, however, that most incisions can leave minimal (acceptable) scars. In the case of abdominoplasty the patient often exchanges excess skin for a remaining, but acceptable, scar. However, it is the goal of the surgeon performing the abdominoplasty procedure to create the most aesthetically pleasing midsection and with that comes the least noticeable amount of scarring. Together you and your surgeon can comprise the best post operative healing plan for you and if you follow the instructions diligently, your scar should fade to an acceptable point within a year or two.

Some specific factors to take into consideration when discussing scar formation are: the patient’s genetics, the type of tummy tuck procedure being performed and the surgical technique employed, coupled with postoperative recommendations, among other components. Even then, it is still impossible to give a specific answer as to how a patient will heal. If you think back to how you have healed from injuries in the past, you should be able to transfer this to how you might heal from a tummy tuck procedure.

At Edelstein Cosmetic our doctors take pride in making the smallest incisions they can and providing the best post operative home care instructions to allow for the most minimal scarring possible. The scar from a tummy tuck procedure is usually located below the bikini line, so you will still be able to show off your new body in a bikini after your procedure.

There are things that you can do post operatively to help ensure the most minimal amount of scarring possible. Along with following your surgeon’s specific recommendations, you should try to keep your surgical site out of direct sunlight for at least one year. Keeping it out of direct sunlight (including using tanning beds) will help the scar heal to the most natural skin tone possible. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy time on the beach or out in the sun, just try to be mindful to keep the surgical site covered. Ointments containing silicone and silicone sheeting can also help with the lightening and fading of scars over time. You can discuss these ointments with your surgeon if you are interested in additional methods to lighten your scar.

As mentioned above, the exact size of the incision required by the patient’s procedure will necessarily dictate how large or small the remaining scar may be. The incision size and location made by the surgeon will depend partly on the type of tummy tuck procedure you are having. There are multiple types of abdominoplasty, ranging from a mini tummy tuck to a comprehensive tummy tuck, and each involves a different sized incision. The type of procedure that is best for you can be decided with your surgeon based on your specific requests and goals. After abdominoplasty, patients are usually advised that it can take up to two years for the scar to fade to the most natural colour possible. It is worth noting that most patients notice drastic improvement in the healing and the colour of the scar in the first six months to a year after the operation.

As always, it is a good idea to have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon who will be able to address your specific questions and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact the welcoming and talented team at Edelstein Cosmetic to set up a consultation with Dr. Edelstein or Dr. Jindal and have all your questions answered by an experienced professional.