Posted: October 24, 2016
A tummy tuck is often performed to address the muscle laxity as well as the excess skin and fat that frequently follow pregnancy or weight fluctuation. It is important to understand that a scar is always created when this excess skin is removed. However, there are several factors which may impact how visible your tummy tuck scar will be.
The quality of the scar will vary among each individual and is influenced by skin type. In addition, the amount of excess skin present will impact the length of your scar and whether there will also be a scar around the umbilicus.
Dr. Orringer attempts to plan your incision in keeping with considerations regarding your preferred bathing suit and underwear style. It is important that you try to avoid sun injury to the scar as much as possible at least during the first year after abdominoplasty surgery. The sun's UV rays may cause the scar to appear darker or redder in color. If you must expose your scar to the sun, make sure you wear an effective sunscreen.
In addition, Dr. Orringer recommends that you completely stop smoking for at least one month prior to surgery and for a minimum of one month following your tummy tuck procedure. If healing issues occur, it is very important that cessation of smoking continue until healing has occurred. Smoking often has a very negative impact on your body's ability to heal, and this may result in skin loss and much worsened scarring.
Ultimately, you must weigh the trade-off of a scar(s) versus the potential improvement in the contour of your abdominal region and a feeling of greater abdominal wall strength. During your initial consultation, Dr. Orringer will discuss scar options, recuperation, and other considerations as you make your decision regarding your procedure. He will also address any questions that you may have.
Please contact Dr. Jay Orringer at The Renaissance Medical Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Inc. using the form on this page or call 310-273-1663 today to schedule your abdominoplasty consultation. We serve patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Hollywood, California, nationally and internationally.
