Surgery inevitably leaves some scarring behind, but most patients find the scars are a small price to pay for the dramatic results they achieve with a tummy tuck. This blog delves into what you can expect from your abdominoplasty scars and how to care for them to ensure optimal healing and the best possible result.
3 Min Read:
Tummy Tucks and Scarring: What You Need to Know
Tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) are popular procedures for women and men, particularly after pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations take their toll on the midsection. This surgery removes loose skin and tightens stretched abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) for a smoother, more contoured appearance.
Abdominoplasty offers dramatic, long-lasting results, but patients want to know what the scars will look like after surgery. Patients often seek a tummy tuck to gain confidence in their clothing and bathing suits, but will unsightly scarring interfere with their new look?
While scarring is an unavoidable aspect of any plastic surgery, Dr. Jennifer Boll uses advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring for her patients. We will discuss what your scar will look like, its location, and scar care tips to ensure optimal healing.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?
Most patients seeking this body contouring procedure will achieve their desired results with a traditional tummy tuck surgery. The conventional abdominoplasty approach involves a hip-to-hip incision across the lower abdomen and a smaller incision around the navel. This technique allows Dr. Boll to remove sufficient excess fat pockets and loose skin from the midsection for maximum improvement. Dr. Boll takes care to place the incision within the panty line so it isn’t seen under most clothing.
Some patients may qualify for a mini tummy tuck, which requires a smaller incision along the bikini line. However, this technique offers limited improvement and is mainly recommended for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and bulging below the belly button.
Best Tips for Tummy Tuck Scar Care
Patients usually find the incision around the navel heals quickly and becomes nearly unnoticeable over time. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect as the larger incision heals:
- Immediately After Surgery: The incision typically looks thin and red, with some swelling and possible oozing. Dr. Boll will instruct you on how to keep the area clean and wear your compression garment to minimize swelling and promote healing and blood flow to the surgical site. Rest is also crucial to prevent tension on the incision, which can impact the healing process.
- One Month After Surgery: Some incisions become darker or feel itchy. While these temporary symptoms may seem concerning, they are actually your skin’s way of healing and rebuilding itself. Silicone scar sheets and non-scented lotions will help keep the incision soft and support the healing process.
- Six Months After Surgery: By this time, you will be seeing noticeable improvement in your scar as it begins to flatten out and fade to a pink or brown color. If you expose your abdominal area to the sun, wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to protect your scar as it continues to heal.
- One Year After Surgery: Your scars should be flattened out and blend with your skin tone by now. You will still see a faint line that is likely unnoticeable to most people.
Find Out if a Tummy Tuck in Phoenix, AZ, Is Right for You
If you’ve noticed changes to your midsection that don’t improve with diet or exercise, a tummy tuck may be the best procedure for you. Dr. Jennifer Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in all types of body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, call our Phoenix office at (480) 833-5200 or complete our online contact form today.