“I’ve wanted to pursue a tummy tuck for many years and I’m finally ready to make that leap. Can you describe the differences between the full and mini tummy tuck? I’m concerned about the scars will appear following my procedure. Will they fade over time? What type of aftercare will I need to maintain following my procedure?”
A tummy tuck, more formally known as an “abdominoplasty” is a major surgery procedure, so patients often have a number of questions for us prior to their procedure. Many patients want to know what they can expect from their tummy tuck procedure in terms of recovery and scarring. We want our patients to be well informed and comfortable with their procedure. In light of that we, this blog post will attempt to accurately depict the physical results you can expect following your abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty procedures can be life changing for individuals who suffer from excess skin in the abdominal region. Patients who have experienced major physical changes such as significant weight loss can be freed from the physical and emotional burden of carrying around extra weight in skin. Not only does the procedure remove excess skin, but the muscles of the abdominal wall can be tightened as well. This is what makes a tummy tuck procedure such an appealing option for individuals who have lost a lot of weight, or for women who have had children. If you are having a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck, you will have two scars. One will be around the belly button, and the second will stretch from hipbone to hipbone. It is necessary to make an incision around your navel as the skin will be removed from the surrounding tissue in order to remove tissue and tighten the muscles. The incision that runs from hipbone to hipbone is made just above the pubic area so that it can be hidden by your undergarments and bathing suit bottoms. The appearance of your scars will depend on the following factors:
- location of the incision
- skill of your surgeon
- your ability to avoid smoking and sun exposure
- how well you naturally tend to heal
- the aftercare that you provide the scarred area