Tummy Tuck Scars: Here’s What You Can Expect

Published February 14, 2023 by

Woman in underwear covering tummy tuck scars after recovering from abdominoplasty surgery

Are you considering a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty? This transformative procedure can help you achieve a slimmer, smoother midsection and repair stretched abdominal muscles after weight-loss or pregnancy. Here, I answer some common tummy tuck scar questions to help patients understand some of what they can expect after their procedure.

How long will my tummy tuck scar be?

The length of your scar and the number of stitches you’ll require will be determined by the type of tummy tuck surgery that will best achieve your goals. To give yourself an idea, mark where your skin starts to fold over on either side of your abdomen and connect this line from one side to the other—this is likely a good estimate of the scar length. Additionally, you’ll most likely have a scar hidden inconspicuously inside your navel.

How much does suture technique matter in a tummy tuck?

A cosmetic surgeon’s skill and suture technique can influence your results and recovery experience by:

  • Reducing pain
  • Minimizing tension along the incisions and improving flap perfusion and scar appearance
  • Reducing complication rates of seromas and hematomas

To avoid tummy tuck complications, be sure to work with an expert cosmetic surgeon with years of proven experience performing abdominoplasties.

Liposuction may also be added to your tummy tuck procedure and offers numerous potential benefits including reduced postoperative complications, further refinement of your new contours, and quicker recovery time.

How many pounds of tissue are removed during a tummy tuck?

The amount of tissue removed during a tummy tuck depends on your anatomy. More important than the weight removed is the overall contour we can achieve. The primary goal is to remove just the right amount of tissue to achieve an hourglass figure with a natural belly button.

Keep in mind that tummy tuck surgery is not meant to be a whole-body weight-loss solution, nor is liposuction. Rather, they are body shaping procedures. To ensure your results are long-lasting and maintainable, you should achieve a stable weight you are happy with for at least 6 months before undergoing surgery.

Tummy tuck patients often find the increased confidence provided by a tummy tuck, combined with the benefits of split abdominal muscle (diastasis recti) repair that is part of most abdominoplasties, inspires them to exercise more regularly and adopt healthy dietary habits.

What’s the worst part of tummy tuck recovery?

Tummy tuck surgery recovery is similar to having undergone an incredibly intense ab workout, and both you and your cosmetic surgeon can take steps to help lessen side effects and pain. Dr. Pancholi uses a long-acting local anesthetic to help ease the pain for the first 36-48 hours. As the numbing medication wears off, most of your intense pain will have subsided and can be eased with cool compresses and your pain medication. During this initial recovery period, you’ll also need to stay slightly bent at the waist to avoid straining your incisions. With realistic expectations during your early stages of healing, you will likely be thrilled with your progress by about 3 weeks or so after surgery, and the final results will be well worth the required downtime.

Also during this initial recovery period, you will not be able to lift anything, including small children, for at least 4-6 weeks. For the first few days, a caregiver is also necessary to help you manage pain medication, meals, and trips to the bathroom, until you are a little more comfortable

If time off work is a concern, you will likely be cleared to return to desk work approximately 1-2 weeks after a tummy tuck; more physically strenuous jobs may need to be put aside for up to 6 weeks.

How can I get the finest possible scar?

There are several factors that may influence the appearance of your scar, such as your age, skin tone, genetics, and lifestyle. That said, there are several strategies you can use to help minimize the appearance of your tummy tuck scar(s):

  • Choose a board certified surgeon with proven cosmetic surgery experience and knowledge of the most advanced abdominoplasty techniques—this will help you achieve better results and have the least amount of visible tummy tuck scarring possible.
  • Follow all aftercare instructions to the letter to avoid complications that may exacerbate scarring.
  • Be consistent with your scar care routine; this includes keeping your scars out of the sun and applying SPF30 or greater to them when outdoors.
  • Be patient; surgical scars can take up to 2 years to fully fade.
  • If you are concerned about an existing tummy tuck scar, talk to an expert—in the event you experience less than desirable scarring, an experienced cosmetic surgeon may be able to revise the scar for a more pleasing outcome.

If you are interested in reshaping your midsection, repairing stretched abdominal muscles, and achieving the toned, youthful stomach appearance you deserve, I can help you understand which tummy tuck technique is right for you and develop a treatment plan to restore your shape and boost your confidence. I perform all surgical procedures in my private, fully accredited Las Vegas surgical center and have over 15 years of experience offering patients a full range of body contouring procedures. To learn more, I invite you to schedule a consultation in my Las Vegas cosmetic surgery office by calling (702) 363-0240 or contacting us online.

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