Abdominoplasty surgery involves making an incision across the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip. A second incision is made around the belly button as part of repositioning it after removing excess skin. These incisions gradually improve over time to form a faint white line that becomes barely noticeable. Here we answer your most common questions about tummy tuck scars, including how they appear and what are the best treatments for them. If you have questions about abdominoplasty scarring, contact us on 020 7993 4849 to book an in-person consultation with a tummy tuck specialist surgeon.
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How should a tummy tuck scar look?
The appearance of a tummy tuck score will be determined by the location of the incision and the type of tummy tuck surgery. A full tummy tuck involves two incisions, with the main incision positioned horizontally across the lower abdomen to get rid of excess fat and skin and a smaller one which encircles the belly button once the abdominal skin has been tightened. In most cases, the surgeon will expertly position the scar below the bikini line so that it should not be noticeable in most clothing items. Before the procedure, your surgeon will accurately mark the location of the incisions and get your approval before proceeding with the surgery.
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How big is a tummy tuck scar?
The size of a tummy tuck scar will be determined by the type of tummy tuck your surgeon recommends. The most common type of tummy tuck performed at Centre for Surgery is a full tummy tuck combined with liposuction, also known as a Brazilian tummy tuck. This procedure leaves a horizontal scar running along the lower part of the abdomen with a small scar around the umbilicus. A mini tummy tuck involves a much shorter horizontal incision similar in length to a C-section and does not involve an incision around the navel.
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Do tummy tuck scars go away?
All surgical incisions form a scar, and a tummy tuck procedure is no different. With the correct aftercare, the scars will fade over time. The extent and visibility of tummy tuck scars will be determined by the type of tummy tuck procedure undertaken. Every procedure will therefore involve a variable duration for scars to fade over time. Complex abdominoplasty surgery such as an extended tummy tuck or a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck may require a longer period of time for scars to fade.
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What is the best scar treatment after a tummy tuck?
There are several different types of scar treatments to improve the appearance of abdominoplasty scarring. Topical vitamin E is a tried and tested method of improving scar appearance by keeping the scar well moisturised and hydrated. The vast majority of scars will naturally improve if sufficient time is given for them to fade. If these simple interventions are ineffective, various specialist scar management techniques can be implemented. Morpheus8 is beneficial for remodelling scar tissue and reducing excessive scarring. Laser treatment can help to reduce red scars by targeting the blood vessels within the scar that is responsible for the red colour. Surgical scar revision may be recommended for sunken or atrophic scars. The goal of treatment is to produce a smoother and less noticeable scar. No scar treatment can completely get rid of scars altogether. Centre for Surgery is renowned for its expertise in sky management using gold standard techniques. Patients will have regular post-operative follow-up visits with our nursing team to help achieve healthy-looking scars. If you want to learn more, contact us today on 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for abdominoplasty surgery?
Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and is home to specialist consultant plastic surgeons with expertise in all types of abdominoplasty surgery. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic is located in Marylebone. We have hundreds of five-star reviews, and many of our patients recommend their friends and family to see us. Schedule an in-person consultation today to learn more about the benefits of abdominoplasty surgery in London.
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