Date 15 Mar 2024
Table of Contents
One of the reasons why most people hesitate to undergo tummy tuck surgery is the fear of scarring. Having noticeable surgical scars must be scary for many people, but these are something that people must not pay attention to.
Most prospective patients going for tummy tuck surgery are concerned about scarring and want to know if the procedure leaves behind big scars. If you have the same questions, you can get the answers here, which are shared by our plastic surgeon in Hyderabad at Eternelle Aesthetics.
In this article, you can learn about tummy tuck surgery, what to expect during recovery, whether tummy tucks leave scars, and how to manage tummy tuck scars on your own. Continue reading to hear what our plastic surgeons have to say about tummy tuck surgery and its scars.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen. It is often chosen by people who have undergone major rapid weight loss or pregnancy, leading to sagging tummy skin that cannot be toned with exercise alone. The surgery helps to achieve a smoother, tighter abdominal profile, which improves physical appearance.
Yes. To perform a standard tummy tuck surgery, an incision must be made in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, from one hip bone to another. The surgeon returns the belly skin to expose and manipulate the underlying tissues and abdominal muscles through this cut. The alterations within the abdomen are made such that the tummy appears smoother and flatter, thereby making an individual look younger. After the removal of the surplus skin and fat, the surgeon makes another cut around the belly button to reposition the navel.
Therefore, after a tummy tuck, two incisional scars are left behind. One is a horizontal scar across the lower stomach, and another is a belly button scar, which is an inverted U scar.
The length and visibility of these tummy tuck scars are determined by various factors, including the body's healing process, surgical method, and how well patients care for their scars after surgery.
Plastic surgeons at Eternelle Aesthetics are trained experts who can help manage scarring after a tummy tuck in Hyderabad. They usually strategically make incisions under the skin folds while operating on the patient to hide the resulting scars in the clothing.
Before a tummy tuck surgery, plastic surgeons will mark the abdominal areas where the incision will be made to show the patient where the scar will be following the surgery. The surgeon holds the patient's stomach up and then draws the marking in the abdomen, near the pubic crease, not more than 3 inches above. This way, the resulting scars remain less visible. The final scar that is left behind, a tummy tuck, will depend upon how well the surgeon was able to make and close incisions.
The recovery period of a tummy tuck varies from one patient to another. It depends upon the patient's age, general health, type of tummy tuck, and post-surgery care. In general, the initial healing phase lasts about two weeks. During this period, people may notice swelling, redness, and discomfort. It's worth noting that complete healing of the incision site can take several months to a year. The doctor may recommend wearing a compression garment for the first several weeks to help recover and reduce swelling. As the weeks and months pass, the surgical scars will fade and become less visible. It's critical to follow the surgeon-recommended aftercare instructions to ensure smooth recovery.
The scar will likely be red and swollen for the first few days following surgery. This is a natural part of the healing process as the body attempts to mend the surgical wound. The scar will flatten and fade in colour in the next few weeks. Patients must protect their scars from the sun during this period, as UV rays can cause discolouration and darkening. They should also keep their scar clean and dry to avoid infections.
The scar will fade as it heals over the next few months. However, it is crucial to understand that full recovery can take a year or more, and the scar will remain visible.
If an individual is afraid of scarring following tummy tuck surgery and wants to know more about it, you can also watch this video by our tummy tuck surgeon in Hyderabad:
Some tummy tuck patients are unhappy with the appearance of their abdominoplasty scars, even after they have healed and evolved naturally. If the patient wants to get rid of their ugly scars after tummy tuck surgery in Hyderabad, some non-surgical cosmetic treatments are available to fade scars.
The most popular tummy tuck scar management options are:
The recommendations encompass everything from leading a healthy lifestyle to incorporating scar management treatments into your everyday routine.
If the scar isn't healing as intended, get expert care from our plastic surgeon in Hyderabad at Eternelle Aesthetics. Consultation is necessary if you tend to have keloid or hypertrophic scars.
