What Kind of Tummy Tuck Scar Should I Expect?

Tummy tuck surgery helps our Sacramento patients slim and tone their waistlines. However, removing excess skin and unwanted fat requires a few extensive incisions. Many of our tummy tuck patients ask what kind of tummy tuck scar should I expect after surgery? While the treatment results are definitely well worth a scar, the extent of scarring depends on a few different factors. 

Scars After a Tummy Tuck

Major body changes, such as pregnancy or significant weight loss, can leave a lasting effect on the body. Tummy tuck surgery addresses this problem by tightening loose skin, flattening a tummy bulge, and sculpting excess fat deposits. The procedure uses a long hip-to-hip incision placed just above the bikini line, giving the plastic surgeon access to the tissues and muscles underneath. After damaged muscles have been repaired and tissues adjusted, the doctor pulls the remaining skin down tight and cuts away any excess. 

The incision made during surgery will leave a horizontal scar along your lower abdomen. The scar will fade during the months following surgery, but it will never completely disappear. The severity of your scar, however, varies from patient to patient. Your skin type and the surgical technique used can impact your scar’s visibility. 

How to Reduce Tummy Tuck Scars

Scarring is an unavoidable part of tummy tuck surgery, but that doesn’t mean the mark has to be noticeable or distracting. There are many ways you can support your body during healing and reduce the severity of your scarring after treatment. 

Some ways to reduce your tummy tuck scars include:

• Follow Post-Op Instructions: Listen to any recovery instructions your doctor gives you after surgery. You’ll wear a compression garment for the first 2 weeks after the procedure, which will minimize scarring. Reducing tension on the incision while the skin slowly heals is the best way to alleviate scarring.
• Limit Sun Exposure: UV rays can darken sensitive skin and make your scar more noticeable over time. To prevent this, always apply sunscreen to protect your scar if you’re wearing a low-cut swimsuit. 
• Apply Silicone Sheets or Gels: An easy, over-the-counter way to support your skin is to wear silicone sheets or gels. These products serve as a protective barrier by keeping your incision hydrated and reducing tension while the skin is healing. 
• Try Nonsurgical Treatments: If you feel self-conscious about your scar after it has fully healed, there are multiple nonsurgical treatments that can fade its appearance. Microneedling and laser skin procedures are popular options for stimulating new collagen and improving the skin’s overall color and texture.

Choose a Skilled Tummy Tuck Surgeon

It’s essential to choose a highly credentialed, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck procedure. An experienced provider has the skill and precision necessary to minimize scarring while producing optimal tummy tuck results. We suggest viewing the surgeon’s before and after tummy tuck photos to see real patient results. 

If you would like to explore your tummy tuck options with a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Sacramento, please request a consultation online. You can also call us at (916) 929-1833.