Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular body sculpting procedures in plastic surgery. Better known as a tummy tuck, it helps restore a shapelier abdomen by reinforcing the underlying muscles and eliminating excess fat and skin. As with all surgical procedures, there will be some scarring. However, the big question is what kind of scarring and how much?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the incision placement position, surgical technique used, and the surgery aftercare.
Incision Placement and Tummy Tuck Techniques
Incisions for abdominoplasty performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Farber typically extend from hip bone to hip bone and include a small incision around the belly button. By following this approach, Dr. Farber can remove tissue from below and above the belly button while removing any stretch marks from the area.
The belly button remains in its original location on the abdominal wall, but a new opening will be created. If liposuction is employed, these additional incisions are tiny and performed in areas from where tissue is removed.
A mini tummy tuck is best suited for patients with minimal excess skin or roundness. It is limited to the area below the belly button. This technique can be performed with a shorter incision, often the same length or slightly longer than a typical C-section scar. In addition, the incision and recovery for a mini tummy tuck are usually less than that of a more traditional abdominoplasty.
An extended incision is recommended for patients with excess skin due to multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss.
Patients who have lost over one hundred pounds of weight can have resulting skin laxity issues and excess tissue extending vertically and horizontally. A fleur-de-lis technique that removes significant excess skin from the entire midsection may be best suited here. It involves a standard tummy tuck incision and a vertical incision from the lower breastbone to the pubic bone. The scarring will resemble an upside-down T.
Incision Care
To close incisions, Dr. Farber may use surgical glue and steri-strips or surgical tape. In addition, he may transition you to a scar cream after two weeks and incorporate Scar Revision to minimize and improve the appearance of scars after surgery.
No matter which incision or surgical technique you choose, it is essential to diligently follow Dr. Farber’s aftercare instructions so that your incision heals with minimal scarring. These will include keeping your incision out of the sun and using an SPF 50+ sunscreen for several months after surgery. It will take a year for any scarring to completely fade.
Next Steps
Tummy tuck surgery should be tailored to your individual body type. It may include additional procedures like liposuction to achieve the best results. It is also often included with a mommy makeover.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is critical to achieving safe and outstanding results. Schedule a consultation online with Dr. Scott Farber or call (561) 503-2700 today to discuss the surgical plan that best meets your aesthetic needs and cosmetic goals.