It is important that you and your doctor agree on the aesthetics and mechanics of your surgery in order to obtain the results that you want. Call us today to schedule your consultation for some of the finest tummy tuck Beverly Hills and Los Angeles have to offer, from esteemed surgeon Dr. Rady Rahban.But, following their surgeon’s post-operation directions to the proverbial “T”, is a must. As the most common of the various tummy tuck scar types, it is defined by the longest incision made in any tummy tuck operation which is a somewhat horizontal line that spans across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. A second circular incision is cut around the navel (belly button).
Many tummy tuck patients wear a girdle or other compression garment over the stomach after the surgery. This helps hold the tissues very close to the body and helps the skin adjust, so the stomach will look more natural when it heals. A question that is often asked is if the sheets can be used in combination with a cream.
Before you go under anesthesia, you should know exactly where your scars will be placed! To get the lowest horizontal scar, your Plastic Surgeon should mark the incision line while pulling up on the abdominal skin. If the marking is made without pulling the skin up, there is a big chance you will get a scar that is too high. In all cases, the incision line should be no more than 3 inches above the vaginal crease if you want to ensure that the scar will be placed low enough for a bikini to hide it.
Keep your incisions protected from the sun. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outdoors. Healing scars are more sensitive to the sun and susceptible to discoloration. To see what real tummy tuck patients look like several months after their procedures, browse our before & after gallery. Have more questions about tummy tuck surgery or incisions? Contact us for a personal consultation with Dr. Christa Clark.
After six weeks, you can also begin manual manipulation of the area. Massage - By massaging the scar, you can soften it and prevent further hardening. Using your fingers, apply firm pressure to the scar, and massage it in a circular motion a few times a day. You may do this for up to one year, if necessary.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions in regards to activity and cleansing. Despite best efforts sometimes issues can develop after surgery. Such things as a fever could indicate an infection. Patients can develop bleeding or wound healing issues which are complications that need to be found and addressed, should they arise. All these things can have an effect on the scars that form from the surgery. Scars are typically most prominent within the first 3 months after surgery. Expect scars to look more reddish/purple and slightly raised in these first few months.
Horizontal scars on the lower abdomen from cesarean sections and hysterectomies also do not preclude a patient from having a tummy tuck. These scars are usually removed during the surgery and are replaced with the tummy tuck scar. Those that are very low may not be removed by a full tummy tuck but can almost always be removed with a mini-tummy tuck. Laparoscopy scars do not interfere with having a tummy tuck but are not uncommonly associated with small Incisional hernias, especially those that are positioned around the belly button.
Refrain from lifting heavy items and avoid any strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Avoid any activity that stretches, bends, or causes you to put pressure on your abdomen. Avoid sexual activity for three weeks after your surgery. Some research suggests that using vitamin E topically can improve the appearance of scars. It can also help to keep your scar moisturized. Be sure to use 100 percent pure vitamin E oil. You should apply it to your scar at least once a day for the first couple of months.
Zinc can help your skin heal and may help prevent bacterial infection; you can find it in seafood, spinach, nuts, and beans. You probably know to look to meats for protein, but you can also find this helpful ingredient in eggs, beans, tofu, and dairy products like cheese and milk.
