The Type Of Tummy Tuck You Have Will Affect Your Scar Size And Location

Whether it is due to multiple pregnancies, genetics, aging, or weight fluctuations, many individuals struggle to shed weight. The abdomen, in particular, tends to retain excess fat and skin and is often unresponsive to diet and exercise alone, much to the chagrin of affected individuals. If you feel like you have tried everything to trim your tummy to no avail, you may be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck.

A body contouring procedure so popular that the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports the number of procedures performed has increased by 431% in the last twenty years. As a result of its popularity, several different types of tummy tucks are now offered. While each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages it is important to be aware that the type of tummy tuck you choose will determine the location and size of your resulting scar.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck, also known as a full tummy tuck, is a procedure designed to target the excess skin and fat both above and below the navel. As such, it necessitates making a large incision from hip to hip across the lower abdomen. However, your surgeon will be careful to ensure that the incision is strategically located in order to make the resulting scar as inconspicuous as possible. In many cases, it can be hidden beneath the underwear or bikini line. A full tummy tuck also requires reconstructing the belly button, which means a second scar will be present surrounding the navel.

In some instances, patients who undergo a tummy tuck following drastic weight loss may require an additional vertical incision, extending up the middle of the abdomen to remove considerable loose skin.

Mini Tummy Tuck

For individuals with little to no excess tissue above the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be the best option as it targets loose skin and fat below the belly button, while also tightening abdominal muscles. This procedure makes a much smaller incision.  The surgeon can reuse an existing C-section scar if present to avoid further scarring. The incision and resulting scar will therefore be located below the bikini line, where it can easily be concealed. Since this procedure does not address the upper abdomen, the belly button is not affected.

Hybrid Tummy Tuck

A hybrid tummy tuck makes an incision below the bathing suit line, approximately the same length as that for a mini tummy tuck.  The resulting scar is much smaller than that caused by a full tummy tuck and its placement in the lower abdomen makes it easy to conceal. In addition, C-section scars can be reused to eliminate the need for a new scar following this procedure. In addition to improving the lower abdomen, like a mini tummy tuck, the hybrid tuck also addresses bulging in the upper abdomen above the navel due to muscle separation.

To determine the best procedure for you, your goals for the procedure must be taken into account in addition to your preferred scar placement. During your initial consultation, Dr. Edelstein or Dr. Jindal, leading tummy tuck plastic surgeons in Toronto, will listen to your concerns and help you determine the most suitable surgery for your needs.