How to Improve the Look of Tummy Tuck Scars
Because an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure, removes unwanted loose skin from your body, it does require a large incision which may leave a scar. Where this scar is located, how it appears, and how it heals are all important factors to the patients we support at Athenix Body Sculpting Institute.
Here are some various aspects that can influence your results.
Tummy Tuck and Scar Placement
Athenix surgeons focus on body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks, and have conducted these surgeries extensively. The experience they offer helps them create the most attractive results possible.
As part of your procedure, your surgeon will try to choose a site for your tummy tuck incision that is not visible even when you are wearing underwear or a bikini bottom. The goal, after all, is the most significant improvement in your appearance possible. Taking the time to plan the location of the scar is part of this process.
A mini-tummy tuck and full tummy tuck require different incision lengths since the former takes away less skin than the latter. Generally, the full tummy tuck procedure goes from hipbone to hipbone while the mini-tummy tuck may only be the size of a typical C-section incision. Our surgeons are able to make the incision on an existing C-section scar to reduce the overall scarring from your tummy tuck.
Your tummy tuck may also require creating a new belly button if the loose skin starts above the naval and needs to be tightened. This is another area in which the skill of your surgeon is key. Reproducing a natural looking belly button that will stay in shape as the skin heals is an art, and it is essential to natural-looking results.
Healing After a Tummy Tuck
Outside of the surgical choices that your Athenix doctor makes, the appearance of your scar is also influenced by your natural healing abilities and the pigmentation of your skin. Some of our patients will heal more completely or more quickly than others. Similarly, lighter or darker skin may contrast differently with the scar.
The final appearance of your tummy tuck results also depends on how carefully you follow our post-operative instructions. Our team will take the time to counsel you about recovery and to answer any questions you may have.
Your Athenix surgeon may give you antibiotics as a precaution against infection, and he or she will advise that you keep your incision clean and dry. Likely, your surgeon will also warn you against putting tension on the incision site following surgery and strenuous activities should be avoided. He or she may also recommend creams or topical treatments that you can use to help reduce the appearance of scarring.
Finally, we advise that you remain patient, as it will take time for your tummy tuck scar to heal to its final state. The good news is that you can almost immediately enjoy the new contour of your body that surgery provides with a flatter, more attractive abdomen.
See pictures of patients who have benefited from our tummy tuck surgeries. For more information on Tummy Tuck Scars contact our specialists in Bellevue, Fresno, Irvine, Pasadena or Portland.
