A tummy tuck is a great way, and necessity for some people, to drop unhealthy weight in a way that is controlled and safe. It does, however, have some negative side effects. Many times people are left with sagging skin that gives the appearance of obesity when the person is not wearing a shirt. This problem is associated more with an intensive gastric bypass surgery that results in rapid weight loss. People often opt for a tummy tuck, which is a healthier option. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid the tummy tuck scars that are associated with the procedure. If you are wondering what tummy tuck scars look like, or how to minimize tummy tuck scars, then keep reading.
Unavoidable parts of the procedure are the tummy tuck scars that everyone has heard about. The surgery itself requires one or two large incisions within the abdomen. There will always be a certain amount of scarring. The total amount to tummy tuck scars that are visible depends on each patient’s personal procedure. When a large amount of excess skin or fat needs to be removed, there will be larger tummy tuck scars. Minor tummy tucks will result in minor scaring. People who receive a full lower body tummy tuck can expect to see moderate to severe scarring. Tummy tuck scars are normally near the belly button and across the abdomen, from hip to hip. A good cosmetic surgeon will be able to make incisions that create tummy tuck scars that can be hidden easily.
It is possible to reduce tummy tuck scars, but you will need to follow your aftercare instructions flawlessly. Your surgeon will explain all the details to you prior to your surgery. In addition to these instructions, it is very important to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle during your recovery from a tummy tuck. This alone will help to reduce your tummy tuck scars greatly. Smoking cigarettes or cigars before, during, or after your recovery will have a negative effect on your tummy tuck scars. Smoke causes the skin of the body to receive less oxygen than normal, causing the skin to regenerate slower than it normally would. Additionally, your immune system will not work as fast and could make the tummy tuck scars worse.
As time passes, you can expect some of the scarring to fade away. Many times the scars will start to darken. This is completely normal and is a good sign that the tummy tuck scars are about to fade away. It is important to understand that these scars will never disappear from the body completely and have a good deal of permanence to them. You can speak to your surgeon about the various creams and gels that are available that can speed up the fading process. Again, these medications can only help the process and not remove the tummy tuck scars completely. It is up to you to decide if the weight you will lose from the procedure is worth the tummy tuck scars that develop.