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Manchester, NH 03104
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Abdominoplasty Scars
Home : Cosmetic Plastic Surgery : Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) : Abdominoplasty Scars
by Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACSThe most common scar following an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a long, curved scar that extends from hip to hip and crosses horizontally just above the pubic hair. The length of this scar is necessary because normally the entire wedge from the belly button to the pubic hair is removed. At times, a shorter scar is possible, however, to get an even distribution of the tissues without bunching, the long scar is a necessity. The horizontal portion above the pubic hair gives one an opportunity to dissect beneath the pubic skin and to do a pubic lift for patients who have a hanging pubis.
When the belly button is naturally high, it may not be possible to include this with the full resection. The residual opening of the belly button is then closed as a vertical scar somewhere between the newly relocated position of the belly button and the pubic hair. Scars normally take 3 months to a year for healing, and usually heal well. At times, the scar may become thickened and itchy. We call this a hypertrophic scar. Treatment consists of massage, silicone sheeting and/or steroid injections. Rarely, a keloid may form, and steroid injections are the usual treatment for this. For the most part, Abdominoplasty scars heal well, and are well hidden by normal underwear and bathing suits. Most scars on the body are red for about 3 to 4 months and then slowly mature, flatten and become white at about one year after the surgery. Contact Us for More InformationFor confidential personalized information and advice, please complete our information request form or call us at 1-800-640-0290 during business hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING HOURS NOW AVAILABLE . The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, male breast reductions (gynecomastia), neck and chin surgery, nose surgery (rhinoplasty), surgery after massive weight loss, tummy tucks and BOTOX® Cosmetic for vaginismus. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables and facial fillers (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Perlane® and Restylane®) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires. Visit our skincare website to purchase MD Forte, Obagi-C Rx, Obagi NuDerm, Prevage and Vivite advanced skincare products. |
A variety of scars are available for repositioning the belly button (umbilicus). Because the wedge is removed from the belly button to the pubic hair, the belly button needs to be relocated to a higher position. This is brought out thru the abdominal skin. A circular scar may cause scar contracture so it is common to create one or two darts to break up the circle. At times, a new belly button is made and the old one discarded.