An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It has grown in popularity in recent years as a go-to procedure for improving body contour after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
However, like any major surgery, a tummy tuck does carry risks, including visible scarring. The location and size of the scar depend on the specifics of the procedure. So, surgeons and patients take steps to prevent bad scarring through preparation beforehand and following a rigors aftercare regimen.
How are Tummy Tuck Incisions Made?
There are a few techniques a plastic surgeon may use to make the incisions for a tummy tuck procedure. In a full tummy tuck, a long horizontal incision is made hip-to-hip cut just above the pubic area. The length and position can vary based on factors like the amount of skin that needs removal and the placement of stretch marks.
A vertical incision extending around the belly button may also be made to remove excess skin above the navel. In some cases, a second horizontal incision is made very low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area. The technique used impacts the location and extent of scarring.
What to Expect: Tummy Tuck Scars
While scars from a body contouring procedure like a tummy tuck do fade and improve over time, they do not completely disappear in most cases. Everyone scars differently based on age, genes, skin type, sun exposure, smoking, weight changes and other factors. You may heal faster and with less visible scarring if you are younger, don’t smoke, have elastic skin and maintain a steady weight.
There are two main phases of healing:
The Initial Healing Phase
In the first few months after surgery, the incision lines appear red or pink, are slightly elevated and may feel hardened or bumpy. Some itching, tenderness or tightness along the scars is normal during initial healing and subsides over several weeks.
Some fluid drainage, bruising or swelling may occur, causing the abdomen to appear puffy. Wearing the recommended compression garment as directed can help minimise swelling and encourage proper healing.
The Maturation Phase
From about 3 months onward, your scars transition into the maturation phase. This involves flattening and changing colour, progressing from deep purple to red and pink, and eventually fading to pale purple or white. However, be aware that this maturation phase varies significantly for each person. You may heal quickly with barely visible scars at 1 year post-op or still have significant scarring beyond a year. Consistent scar care can help improve their appearance over time.
How to Improve Healing and Reduce Visibility of Scars?
- While your plastic surgeon will recommend topical medical scar treatments, there are also lots of at-home remedies that may help:
- Gentle daily massaging of your scar area encourages proper collagen alignment to reduce thickness and bumpiness. Use moisturising creams when massaging.
- Silicone-based gels and sheets provide hydration to enable collagen production. They also put gentle pressure on scars to flatten them.
- Once incisions fully close up, use sun protection on scars when outdoors to avoid UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
- Bio-oil, vitamin E oil, aloe vera, honey, and other natural emollients keep scars moisturised so they don’t become raised and irritated.
- Later on, procedures like laser treatments, dermabrasion, steroid injections and other medical-grade scar therapies may further reduce visible scarring.
The Bottom Line
Abdominoplasty surgery requires extensive cutting through the lower belly area, which inevitably leads to scarring. However, in most cases, the long-lasting aesthetic rewards outweigh the scars left behind. Moreover, scars do tend to significantly improve over the first year post-surgery and often become barely noticeable lines. Using the right home care and possible medical treatments after an abdominoplasty can help optimise healing for the least conspicuous scarring possible.
