Tummy Tuck Scars: Where They Are, How Long They Last and How to Improve Them

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) flattens the abdomen by removing redundant skin and soft tissue of the lower abdomen and tightening the core abdominal muscles, which commonly weaken in the midline after pregnancy or significant weight change. As with all cosmetic surgery, the trade-off is the resulting scar. Here is where tummy tuck scars are placed, how they change over time, and what helps them heal well.

Where Are Tummy Tuck Scars?

Tummy tuck scars are placed transversely along the lower abdomen and around the belly button. The lower abdominal scar is designed to be concealed by swimwear and underwear.

During a standard tummy tuck, the skin and soft tissues are elevated while the belly button stays attached to the abdominal wall on its stalk, which preserves its blood supply. Most of the redundant skin between the belly button and the lower incision is removed, the skin is advanced downward, and the belly button is brought out through a small incision.

How Long Are the Scars?

A short scar circles the belly button. The length of the lower abdominal scar depends on the technique:

• Standard tummy tuck: the scar generally extends from hip to hip.
• Mini tummy tuck: the scar is shorter because there is less loose skin to remove, and there is no scar around the belly button.
• Circumferential tummy tuck: for patients with more extensive loose skin, often after bariatric surgery, the scar extends all the way around the body for a more powerful tightening effect. See body contouring after weight loss.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Scars Last?

Tummy tuck scars are permanent, but their appearance generally improves with time. Scar maturation takes a full year as collagen remodels. At first, scars are pink and blanch with pressure, meaning they turn white when pressed and return to pink when released. As long as they are protected from the sun, they generally fade towards your skin tone by one year.

How to Improve the Appearance of Tummy Tuck Scars

Dr. Power will make recommendations based on how your scars are healing and any risk factors for more prominent scarring.

Time

Although patients are often drawn to expensive scar products, most scars improve on their own as they mature over the first year.

Paper tape

Paper tape is recommended for most patients over the first few months. Apply it directly over the lower abdominal and belly button scars, and wear it full-time except when showering. It may promote scar remodelling during early healing, likely through a similar mechanism to silicone sheeting, and it is less expensive.

Scar massage

Scars are often firm and may thicken over the first 4 to 6 weeks while they are immature. Scar massage is encouraged starting about 3 weeks after surgery, several times a day, and Dr. Power will demonstrate the technique at your follow-up. Massage may flatten, soften and desensitize the scars. It can help until the scars mature at one year, but can generally stop once they are soft and no longer sensitive.

Silicone sheeting

For patients prone to thicker or raised scars, silicone sheeting may be recommended. These silicone strips are placed directly over the scars and worn full-time, except when showering, for 3 to 4 months. The mechanism is not completely understood but is believed to relate to increased scar temperature and hydration. Silicone gel is not recommended on the body, because it needs frequent reapplication and is less cost-effective than sheeting. Most patients do not need silicone treatment.

Sun protection

Avoid UV exposure on immature scars. Sun exposure may cause permanent pigment changes, leaving a scar lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

What Complications Can Affect Tummy Tuck Scars?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of delayed wound healing and of hypertrophic (thickened) scarring, which may be treated with steroid injections or other treatments. If risk factors for problematic scarring are identified, they will be discussed in detail at your consultation. Standing cone deformities, commonly called “dog ears,” may form at the ends of the incision. If they persist after the scar matures, they can be revised under local anesthetic in a minor office procedure.

Although scars remain after a tummy tuck, they are generally well concealed in swimwear and improve over time, and satisfaction rates are high among healthy non-smokers of appropriate BMI.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering a tummy tuck, please contact us to schedule a consultation with female plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Power. Scar care will be discussed in detail after surgery to help you achieve the best possible result.

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Related Procedure: Curious if it’s right for you? Visit our tummy tuck with Dr. Power page for pricing and before/afters.