What Will My Toronto Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

A Toronto tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that is specifically designed for removing the excess, loose skin in the abdominal area that gives the appearance of a pot-belly or hanging abdomen. It improves overall body contour by producing a flatter tummy as its final outcome, as well as strengthens the abdominal muscles to give better support. As the procedure is a surgery, it will require your plastic surgeon to create an incision on your body that will eventually scar over time. This leads us to this discussion: what will your Toronto tummy tuck scar look like?

Well depending on the type of tummy tuck that suits your needs, your plastic surgeon will have different incisions to choose from. It can go across the entire length of your abdomen if you are doing a traditional tummy tuck, or be shorter if it’s a mini-tummy tuck.A key thing to remember about tummy tucks is that although there is a scar, highly-experienced and well-trained plastic surgeons are capable of using surgical techniques that minimizes its appearance. After all, the general purpose of a tummy tuck is to create an aesthetically pleasing abdominal region, which includes keeping the scar as inconspicuous as possible. Therefore, the formation of a visible scar should not be a deterrent for you if you are truly interested in getting a Toronto tummy tuck to help achieve your goals.Aside from having a qualified plastic surgeon that can deliver you remarkable results, there are some steps that you can do before and after the surgery to help minimize the visibility of your scar. For instance, at your consultation, you can bring along a swimsuit to help the plastic surgeon decide where the ideal incision site is on your body. You can also ask your plastic surgeon for before-and-after photos of previous clients to examine their scars post-op and develop realistic expectations.After the surgery, as your body is healing from the Toronto tummy tuck, you should follow these simple guidelines to help minimize scarring. It is very important that as your skin is healing, you protect the incision wound from direct sunlight and UV radiation as that can increase scarring. This does not mean you cannot enjoy the sunshine or beach, you just need to remember to keep the site covered.As the incision wound closes, your plastic surgeon may also recommend the use of silicone creams or silicone sheeting. A cream is applied topically to the site and helps reduce its visibility while the sheeting is meant for flattening the scar. One of the most important things during recovery that can affect scar formation is tension. Be very careful to reduce the tension in the abdominal area by sitting more often and avoiding stretches, as allowing the incision to heal with low tension will keep the scar thin and minimal. Scars continue to improve for 12 to 18 months.Overall, it is true that a Toronto tummy tuck will result in a scar; however, there are so many tricks and tips to minimize its appearance. So, if you are considering a tummy tuck, come see Dr. Edelstein or Dr. Jindal to learn more about the procedure. Please do not let the scar be a deterrent that is stopping you from achieving your goals and being your best.