Tummy Tuck Scars

Tummy tuck scars are a direct result of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck cosmetic surgery. The intensity of the scar tissue varies having to do with how much surgery is performed. The scar will be less evident when a mini or a low tummy tuck surgery is performed. However the extent of the scar in a complete tummy tuck may be quite extensive. The saddest part is in either of these situations; the tummy tuck scar is permanent and needs to be concealed with clothing such as a bikini. Generally speaking the tummy tuck scars worsen over a period of 3 to 6 months post surgery and start getting better only after that. Between 36 weeks to one year after surgery the scars may become flattened and lighter in color, but will never really go away. The scar endured from a complete abdominoplasty is visibly seen on the lower part of the abdominal area and extends from one end of the hip to the other. It is also quite evident in the region of the navel.

The complete tummy tuck process involves the making of two incisions; the initial incision is a flat straight across cut and the following incision is a circular incision around the navel. This is to help remove the extra fat and skin from the abdominal area, tighten the muscles involved and navel repositioning. This is the reason the scars are much more extensive.

The lower tummy tuck is also referred to as a partial or mini abdominoplasty. Scars of these surgeries are less extensive. Here only one horizontal incision is done just beneath your navel. Navel repositioning is not required here hence no circular incisions are done. The excess fat and skin from the lower stomach area is removed and the incision sutured. Although the navel is not deliberately repositioned, the navel’s position may alter because of the stretched skin.

Some abdominoplasty surgeries also involve liposuction prior to the actual surgery. Scars may be left behind by this procedure too. Just as other medical procedures involve complication and risk, abdominoplasty too has its own set of negativities. Complication related to anesthesia usage, infection and bleeding may occur in a few cases. Such conditions too worsen the post operative scars. Bruising and swelling may occur in concurrence with the scars and may continue for two weeks or even a couple months in some cases. In some rare cases, the skin may develop in layers showing up visibly darker and bigger scars.

You can mitigate the possibilities of side effects by strictly following the post operative instructions such as using compression clothing, allowing sufficient healing time and application of lotions, if prescribed.

Other external factors too contribute to the worsening of the tummy tuck scar. Some of these include cigarettes smoking and ingestion of aspirin products. Apart from the permanent tummy tuck scars, there are many long term benefits involved in tummy tuck surgery and most of them are remarkable and long-term.

A tummy tuck surgery can significantly improve your physical appearance and give a desirable contour to the stomach region. Potential abdominoplasty patients should have reasonable expectations from the surgery and also fully understand the positive and negative consequences and only then plunge into the decision.

With tummy tuck surgeries becoming more and more popular, many methods to hide the tummy tuck scars are being explored.

• You can easily hide the tummy tuck scars by wearing specially made bikinis or swimsuits that will comfortably hide the scars.
• Another innovative way is to convert the scar into an interesting tattoo.
• Recently some companies have even introduced creams and lotions that help hide the scars.
  
• For the initial few months when the scars are too evident and when tattooing would not be a good choice, you can try wearing temporary tattoos. Temporary tattoos are also good for people who don’t want to indulge in permanent tattoos to hide the tummy tuck scars.
  

What ever you decide, consult your surgeon before doing any of the above scar hiding techniques. Maintain good physical health and follow a complete diet along with good personal hygiene. You will also need a lot of patience to let the scars lighten as new skin appears. Taking steps to hurry through the process can lead to more prominent tummy tuck scars.

In the video below you can see a small slideshow from tummy tuck before and after surgery. You can see the tummy tuck scars heal wonderfull and the result is amazing.