What is the abdominoplasty scar like?

Posted on: December 26, 2022

There are probably hundreds of questions you want to ask your surgeon before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. One of the key questions patients ask about tummy tuck surgery relates to what their “tummy tuck scars” will look like after surgery.

As with all cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you will have a visible scar after surgery. The question then is, how much can you best help it heal, or reduce your risks of unsightly scars?

Scars vary in visibility and how quickly they fade.

Your healing abilities, recovery processes, genetics, skin tone/melanin, and other factors will influence the visibility of your scar; but you will have a visible scar after a tummy tuck or other major surgery involving reduction/removal of excess skin and body contouring (including thigh lift surgery and arm lift surgery).

Where will the scar from my tummy tuck surgery be located?

Your scar(s) after a tummy tuck will typically be located in the lower abdomen area, above the pubic bone and below the navel.

The scars may run horizontally (curved or potentially zigzag instead of straight) across the lower abdomen, and are usually, but not always, positioned below the belt line or waist area.

You may also end up with a vertical scar, potentially from the pubic area to the belly button location, depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery you require.

There are different types of tummy tucks, such as the full tummy tuck or the mini tummy tuck. To learn more, request a consultation and find out which type of tummy tuck is best suited to your specific needs and skin condition.

What shape will the tummy tuck scar be: straight, curved, zigzag, or squiggle?

The shape or dimensions your scar takes as it heals depends NOT ONLY on where the incision line was placed for your procedure, but how the incision line healed.

Some aspects of healing are controllable and others are not; Remember, each patient’s surgery and healing journey is unique.

Also, if you smoke, if you get an infection after surgery, it can stretch your scars or make them worse.

If so, your scars after a tummy tuck procedure may appear more prominent (therefore, carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions and Post-Surgery Guide as prescribed by your surgeon, and ASK your surgeon before resume strenuous activities, such as driving, housework, lifting, and the gym).

The shape, length and width dimensions of tummy tuck scars vary from patient to patient.

The tummy tuck scar may look like a long wavy line or an inverted T or anchor shape.