An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. Many patients are concerned about the resulting abdominoplasty scars.
At Me Clinic, our specialist plastic surgeons and our dermal team use modern techniques to manage abdominoplasty scars and help patients achieve optimal outcomes.
Understanding Abdominoplasty Scars
The main scar from a full abdominoplasty typically runs horizontally from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. There is also usually a scar around the belly button. The length and exact placement of scars depends on factors like:
- Amount of excess skin removed
- Type of abdominoplasty performed (full vs. partial vs. extended)
- Patient’s anatomy
- Surgeon’s technique
While abdominoplasty scars are permanent, they can fade significantly over time with proper care. Most patients find the scar manageable.
Preoperative Planning for optimal Scar results
Careful preoperative planning by an experienced plastic surgeon is crucial for addressing visible scarring. The surgeons at Me Clinic take the following steps:
1. Customized Incision Placement
The incision is carefully planned to be as low as possible, typically at or below the bikini line. Our surgeons consider factors like:
- Natural skin folds and creases
- Existing scars (e.g. C-section scars)
- Patient’s preferred swimwear and underwear styles
This allows scars to be concealed.
2. Limiting Incision Length where possible
Our surgeons aim to keep the incision as short as possible while still allowing for optimal adjustments. For some patients, a short scar or “skin-only” abdominoplasty may be appropriate.
3. Preserving Blood Supply
Surgical Techniques like the HLTA (high lateral tension abdominoplasty) can help preserve blood supply to tissues, promoting better healing and scar quality.
4. Considering Patient’s Anatomy
Factors like skin elasticity, thickness, and pigmentation are taken into account when planning incisions and closure techniques.
5. Advanced Surgical Techniques
The plastic surgeons at Me Clinic utilise several advanced techniques during abdominoplasty surgery to promote optimal scar healing:
6. Multilayer Closure
A meticulous multilayer closure technique is used to minimize tension on the incision:
7. Deeper sutures anchor tissues
- Intermediate layer sutures further distribute tension
- Fine sutures precisely align skin edges
This encourages thin, flat scars.
8. Progressive Tension Sutures
These internal sutures help eliminate dead space and reduce tension on the skin closure. This can improve scar quality and control complications like seroma formation.
9. Use Liposuction-Assisted Abdominoplasty
Selective liposuction of the abdomen and flanks allows for better tissue mobilisation. This reduces tension on the closure for improved scarring.
10. Umbilical Reconstruction Techniques
Careful technique when recreating the belly button helps managenvisible scarring around the navel.
11. Scar Management Products
Specialised silicone-based scar treatments may be applied in the operating room and in recovery to support optimal healing from day one.
12. Postoperative Scar Care
Proper postoperative care is crucial for managing visible scarring after abdominoplasty. The plastic surgeons at Me Clinic provide patients with detailed instructions for optimal scar care, including:
Wound / Incision Care
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- Avoid submerging in water for 2-3 weeks
- Use prescribed antibiotic pills/ointments as directed
- Avoid picking at scabs or crusts
Use of Quality Compression Garments
- Wearing compression garments as directed helps reduce swelling and supports the healing tissues. This promotes flatter, less noticeable scars.
Restrictions on Activities
Following activity restrictions carefully prevents excess tension on healing incisions:
- No heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks
- Gradual return to exercise starting at 4-6 weeks
- Avoid stretching your abdomen for 8-12 weeks
Scar Treatments
Starting about 6 weeks after surgery, patients are instructed to begin scar treatments like:
- Silicone-based scar gels or sheets
- Gentle massage with vitamin E oil or cocoa butter
- Scar taping
Active Sun Protection / Avoidance
Protecting healing scars from sun exposure is vital to prevent hyperpigmentation:
- Keep scars covered when outdoors
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed scars
- Avoid tanning for at least 12 months
Long-Term Scar Management
While most improvement in scar appearance occurs in the first 6-12 months, long-term scar management can further enhance results:
Topical Treatments
- Continued use of silicone-based scar products for 3-6 months can improve scar texture and color.
Laser Treatments
- Starting around 6-8 weeks post-op, laser treatments like fractional CO2 lasers can improve scar texture and pigmentation. The specialist plastic surgeons at Me Clinic offer advanced laser scar treatments.
Steroid Injections
- For hypertrophic or keloid scars, carefully administered steroid injections may help flatten and soften scars.
Scar Revision Surgery
- In some cases, surgical scar revision may be considered to further improve the appearance of abdominoplasty scars. This is typically done no sooner than 12 months after the initial surgery.
Factors Affecting Scar Healing
Several factors can impact how abdominoplasty scars heal:
Genetics – Some people are genetically predisposed to forming more noticeable scars. Factors like skin type and ethnicity play a role.
Age – Younger patients tend to heal with less visible scarring than older patients.
Skin Characteristics – Thinner, less elastic skin is more prone to stretching and widened scars.
Nutrition – Proper nutrition supports optimal wound healing and scar formation. A diet rich in protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc is beneficial.
Smoking or Vaping – Nicotine and Smoking impairs wound healing and increases risk of complications. Patients are advised to quit at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery. The longer the better.
Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions like diabetes can impair wound healing. Careful management is important.
Skin Tension – Excess tension on the incision during healing can lead to stretched, widened scars.
Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Selecting a highly skilled, experienced plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving optimal scarring results after abdominoplasty. The surgeons at Me Clinic are experienced in abdominoplasty techniques.
When choosing a surgeon, look for:
- FRACS in plastic surgery (Fellow of Royal Australian College of Surgeons)
- Extensive experience with abdominoplasty
- Before and after photos showing well-healed scars
- Knowledge of advanced scar management techniques
- Commitment to long-term follow-up care
At Me Clinic, the plastic surgeons work closely with each patient to develop a customised surgical plan aimed at achieving their aesthetic goals with optimal scars. We utilise the latest techniques and technology for improved results.
Have Realistic Expectations about your Scars
While significant changes can be made, it’s important for you to have realistic expectations about abdominoplasty scars. Some degree of scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure.
Factors to keep in mind:
- Scars will be most noticeable in the first 6-12 months
- Final scar appearance can take up to 18-24 months
- Scars typically fade and flatten over time but don’t disappear completely
- Scar appearance can vary dramatically between individuals
The experienced surgeons at Me Clinic take time to thoroughly discuss expected outcomes with you. We believe setting realistic expectations leads to the highest patient satisfaction.
Non-Surgical Scar Treatments
For patients who want to further improve the appearance of their abdominoplasty scars, Me Clinic offers several non-surgical scar treatment options:
- Fraxel – Fractionated CO2 Laser – This advanced laser treatment can significantly improve scar texture, thickness, and color. A series of treatments is typically recommended starting 8-12 weeks post-op.
- Microneedling – Microneedling stimulates collagen production to improve scar texture and appearance. It can be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for enhanced results.
- Chemical Peels – Light to medium depth chemical peels can help even out scar pigmentation and texture.
- LED Light Therapy – Red and infrared LED light therapy can support healing and collagen production in scars.
- Topical Treatments – Medical-grade scar gels, creams, and silicone sheets are available to support ongoing scar improvement. Strataderm and Stratamed are most popular.
Our plastic surgeons can recommend an individualized scar treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
When a Scar Revision may be necessary
In some cases, your surgeon may feel that you would benefit from surgical scar revision to further improve the appearance of abdominoplasty scars. This is typically considered no sooner than 12 months after the initial surgery, once scars have fully matured.
Reasons to consider scar revision include:
- Widened or stretched scars
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring
- Poorly positioned scars
- Asymmetric scarring
The plastic surgeons at Me Clinic are highly experienced in scar revision techniques. We can determine if you’ll be a good candidate for surgical scar improvement.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care
Proper follow-up care is crucial for achieving optimal scarring results after abdominoplasty. At Me Clinic, we provide comprehensive post-operative care, including:
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Guidance on scar management techniques
- Early intervention for any healing concerns
- Recommendations for scar treatments as needed
We’re committed to supporting you throughout the entire recovery process to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Wrapping up
While some degree of scarring is inevitable with abdominoplasty, there are many ways to manage the appearance of scars and achieve optimal aesthetic results. By choosing an experienced plastic surgeon, following proper pre-op and post-operative care, and utilizing advanced scar management techniques, patients can significantly improve the quality of their abdominoplasty scars.
At Me Clinic, our plastic surgeons are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired goals with optimal visible scars.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty and want to learn more about how we can help you achieve desired results , contact Me Clinic today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons.
Further Reading on Abdominoplasty Scar management
- Mustoe TA, Cooter RD, Gold MH, et al. International clinical recommendations on scar management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;110(2):560-571.
- Widgerow AD, Chait LA, Stals R, Stals PJ. New innovations in scar management. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2000;24(3):227-234.
- Fearmonti R, Bond J, Erdmann D, Levinson H. A review of scar scales and scar measuring devices. Eplasty. 2010;10:e43.
- Gurtner GC, Werner S, Barrandon Y, Longaker MT. Wound repair and regeneration. Nature. 2008;453(7193):314-321.
- Khoo TL, Halim AS, Zakaria Z, et al. A prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial to study the efficacy of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011;64(6):e137-e145.
Online References about Abdominoplasty Scars
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24004-tummy-tuck-scar
- https://centreforsurgery.com/how-to-minimise-scars-after-tummy-tuck-surgery/
- https://www.advancedplasticsurgeryinstitute.com/blog/what-to-expect-how-to-hide-your-tummy-tuck-scar/
- https://www.myplasticsurgeon.ca/cosmetic-procedures/surgery/abdominoplasty/tummy-tuck-scar-treatment.html
