The tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure due to its ability to transform the midsection, resulting in a flat stomach and hourglass curves, or a V-taper waist. If you’re considering getting a tummy tuck, you may be concerned about scars: what they look like, where they are located, and how much they will fade. This blog will discuss how different tummy tuck techniques affect how scars look, as well as what you can do to encourage optimal scar formation and fading.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known by its technical term, abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Oftentimes, surgery includes abdominal muscle repair. The belly button can also be repositioned.
If you have previously had a C-section, the same incision can often be used for your tummy tuck to minimize scarring. Additionally, a tummy tuck often removes stretch marks located below the navel along with excess skin, vastly improving the appearance of the abdominal skin.
Where Are Tummy Tuck Scars Located?
The location of your tummy tuck scars depends on the technique selected based on your unique needs and surgical plan. The incision sites are where your scars will be.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
The standard approach involves one incision made along the bikini line and a second incision around the belly button. Most patients find that the scar around the belly button tends to blend into the rest of the skin quite well, and the incision along the bikini line is easily hidden beneath swimwear and underwear.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A partial or mini tummy tuck consists of one incision below the bikini line. This incision is shorter than for a traditional tummy tuck and is easily concealed beneath swimwear and underwear.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
This method uses a chevron incision below the breasts and is easily concealed beneath clothing. Dr. Chiu places his incisions in the natural breast crease to minimize scarring.
Do Tummy Tuck Scars Go Away?
For the most part, scars never go away completely. However, you have the power to influence how well your scars heal and fade with the following tips:
- Follow your postoperative instructions carefully. These will include directions on incision care and other guidelines specific to your surgeon’s practice that can distinguish good results from excellent results.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay hydrated. Protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are essential for tissue repair, while hydration helps keep the skin in ideal condition and supports nearly all bodily functions.
- Use silicone strips or gel, both of which are widely used in scar management. These help keep your incision hydrated, encouraging a smooth, flat scar.
Treatments to Fade Tummy Tuck Scars
Aside from taking good care of yourself and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, there is one final frontier available to you in terms of scar fading: non-surgical treatments. The Spa @ Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery™ offers myriad treatments to address almost any aspect of post-surgery scars, from redness to texture.
Microneedling is a classic treatment that creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production. It can be very effective for improving the texture and appearance of scars. The Morpheus8 treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for even more powerful results.
For those who prefer a more aggressive approach, laser resurfacing can target pigment, redness, and raised scars. Dr. Chiu and his team are trained in a variety of laser platforms and modalities, including the Alma Hybrid CO2 ablative laser, Lumecca™ IPL therapy, and more. We also offer a variety of chemical peels. Our skilled providers can help you determine which treatment is best suited to make your scar as smooth and invisible as possible.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, or any other body contouring surgery for that matter, the surgeon you choose is crucial for optimal results. Dr. Gabriel Chiu is a globally renowned board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience providing stunning results and exceptional patient care. To schedule your personal consultation, call Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery™ at (310) 888-8087 or fill out the online contact form.