Abdominoplasty scars – how should they be managed?
Patient Registration Info
| Age | Weight | Height | BMI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
in their 40’s |
53kg |
163cm |
20 |
Surgical site
abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction, abdomen liposuction
1700cc
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a body contouring surgery that removes excess sagging skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles.
While the results can be transformative, the surgery involves a long incision, which naturally raises concerns about post-operative scarring.
In cases where there is significant skin laxity, a more extensive lift is required, often leading to a longer incision and wider dissection area. This makes scar care just as important as the lifting results themselves.
Managing abdominoplasty scars effectively depends on multiple factors, including the patient’s skin condition, healing capacity, and post-operative care routine. A tailored, long-term scar management plan is essential to minimize the appearance of scars and ensure smooth recovery.
When considering abdominoplasty, it’s crucial to understand that the length and placement of the incision will vary depending on the degree of sagging. It’s equally important to factor in the patient’s skin type, personal concerns, expectations, and the availability of a reliable post-operative care system.
Let’s take a closer look at a real patient case to better understand this process.
The case we’re analyzing today involves a patient in her late 40s who has experienced two natural childbirths.
After her last delivery, she worked consistently to manage her weight and even underwent abdominal liposuction at another clinic in the past. However, due to repeated fluctuations in weight, her abdominal skin gradually lost its elasticity, leading to visible sagging.
Despite her ongoing efforts to maintain her figure through daily routines, she found that the skin laxity and diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) could not be improved through diet or exercise alone. As a result, her concerns about her body shape grew over time.
Ultimately, the patient visited Lesarts Plastic Surgery in search of a more fundamental and lasting solution.
To determine the necessity and potential effectiveness of abdominoplasty, we conducted a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition.
Due to repeated weight fluctuations following childbirth, the patient showed significant skin laxity throughout the abdomen, with noticeable sagging from the upper abdomen to the area above the navel.
Additionally, the presence of diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) was identified, indicating the need for abdominoplasty to effectively address these concerns.
Initially, the patient expressed concerns about the length of the surgical scar and preferred the S-type abdominoplasty, which involves the shortest incision.
However, after understanding that this method would not adequately address the skin laxity above the navel and the stretched abdominal wall, she ultimately agreed to proceed with the M-type abdominoplasty.
To further enhance the overall contour of the abdomen, we also recommended combining the procedure with abdominal liposuction, which the patient consented to.
We will now explain the surgical outcome in detail, using photos taken before the procedure and at two and a half months postoperatively.
Photos taken two and a half months after the abdominoplasty clearly show a dramatic transformation compared to the preoperative state.
The loose, wrinkled skin above the navel has been smoothly lifted, resulting in a firmer and slimmer abdominal contour.
In particular, the previously stretched and sagging skin from above the navel to the lower abdomen has been effectively corrected, with both the position and shape of the navel achieving a more aesthetically ideal appearance.
This transformation was not simply the result of removing excess skin. The procedure also included correction of the separated rectus muscles (diastasis recti), which helped to restore a firm midline and create a naturally contoured waistline from the sides.
When viewed from the side, a variety of changes can be seen that are not as noticeable from the front.
Before the surgery, the upper abdomen above the navel was noticeably protruded. After the procedure, this area has been visibly corrected and contoured.
The most striking improvement is the now flatter and slimmer appearance of the anterior abdomen overall.
Previously, the skin from the navel down to the lower abdomen sagged, creating a thick and heavy appearance around the midsection. After the lift, this area now presents a firm, smooth line that flows naturally from the waist down to the lower abdomen.
When observing the patient bending forward before the surgery, the lack of skin elasticity caused the abdominal tissue to droop downward, resulting in an overall sagging and heavy appearance.
However, after undergoing an abdominoplasty combined with abdominal wall repair and liposuction, these concerns have been visibly addressed. The abdominal area now appears firmer and smoother, giving a lighter and more balanced look to the torso.
Additionally, the sagging skin that once obscured the natural waistline has been corrected, allowing the waist to appear slimmer and more defined. This has contributed to a more youthful and refined overall silhouette.
Initially, the patient was concerned about the length of the surgical incision. However, through in-depth consultations, we were able to select the most appropriate surgical method to effectively address both skin laxity and abdominal wall separation. As a result, the patient achieved a highly satisfying transformation.
Now, approximately two and a half months post-surgery, the patient is recovering more quickly and stably than expected. Not only has the sagging of the upper abdomen been corrected, but the diastasis recti has also been effectively repaired, creating a smooth and firm body contour.
In particular, the repositioning of the navel has contributed to a more balanced overall appearance. With continuous treatment and care, the incision scar is also expected to gradually fade.
We advised the patient to continue regular follow-up visits for recovery monitoring and to undergo skin toning treatments. Additionally, we recommended consistent use of silicone sheets and moisturizers to support proper scar healing.
Since some swelling remains at this stage, we emphasized the importance of ongoing care and routine check-ups to achieve the most natural and refined silhouette over time.
