September 30, 2025 | 5 minute read
A tummy tuck can transform a belly pooch into a toned, flattened midsection, but many patients are concerned about visible scarring. This blog discusses the benefits of a tummy tuck, the different tummy tuck types and the respective scarring, and how to avoid dark scarring.
Table of Contents
- What Can a Tummy Tuck Achieve?
- Where Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Be?
- How to Avoid Large, Dark Scars After Tummy Tuck
- Want to Learn More About Tummy Tucks in El Paso, TX?
What Can a Tummy Tuck Achieve?
Abdominoplasty is the ultimate body contouring procedure for those with loose, hanging skin and a stubborn belly pooch that just won’t budge with diet and exercise. These issues are not uncommon after pregnancy, major weight loss, or the natural aging process. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens underlying muscles for a flat abdomen, and redrapes the skin for a natural-looking result.
So what’s the catch? As with every surgical procedure, tummy tucks can result in scars. While these are inevitable to some degree, they’re not always noticeable and can be made to look almost invisible.
Where Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Be?
Plastic surgery scarring is directly related to the location and size of the incision, which usually relates to the level of revision needed for the procedure. A tummy tuck is a relatively involved surgery as it requires internally suturing the abdominal wall, removing excess skin, and moving the belly button to a more typical position.
However, this depends on the type of tummy tuck you have.
Traditional or Full Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck is one of the most common options, as it provides comprehensive correction of loose skin, excess fat, and other related issues. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision right along the bikini line or lower abdomen. This allows the surgeon to access the abdominal wall in order to tighten it, remove excess fat, and redrape loose skin.
The incision is usually from hip to hip, low on the abdomen. This is where the scar will be, as well.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Another option is the mini tummy tuck, which is ideal for patients with less severe concerns. More specifically, this procedure is popular with postpartum women who have a localized lower belly pooch and loose skin only in the lower abdomen. One of the unique advantages of the mini tummy tuck is that the incision can be placed in the same location as a C-section scar, making this an appealing option for women who have already had that surgery.
In any case, a mini tummy tuck has a much shorter scar than the traditional option, making it an ideal choice for patients concerned with visible scarring and who only need minor corrections.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For the most comprehensive revision, an extended tummy tuck is the way to go. An extended tummy tuck addresses not only the abdomen but also the flanks and back, removing any excess skin and fat from the “love handles.”
This option uses an incision that runs horizontally from hip to hip, low on the pubic line.
How to Avoid Large, Dark Scars After Tummy Tuck
Undergoing tummy tuck surgery does not necessarily mean you’ll be stuck with a dark scar, although this depends on a number of factors. For example, some people are naturally prone to scarring, and if you know that’s true for you, consider the location of your incision when you undergo surgery. Tummy tuck incisions are placed low on the abdomen, making them easily hidden by clothing, most bathing suits, and underwear.
Additionally, there are steps you can take to avoid dark scarring.
Follow Post-operative Instructions
As your incisions are healing, it’s extremely important that you follow all post-surgical instructions from your surgeon. One of the main causes of dark, raised scarring is putting stress on the healing incisions. If you are too active too soon in recovery, or you bend or stretch the skin, this can pull on the incisions, causing tension. This causes the body to create harder, thicker scars.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Even though your incisions are hidden under your clothes, you should still be mindful of exposing your scars to sunlight. Always use a strong SPF if you plan to be in the sun, at the beach, or wear short or revealing clothing, such as a bathing suit or crop top. Avoiding sun damage means your scars can heal into finer, lighter lines that are less noticeable.
Use Scar Creams or Silicone Patches
Once your incisions are fully healed, your surgeon can clear you to start scar therapy. They can recommend topical products, such as scar creams or silicone patches, which help the skin heal and maintain its smoothness. Additionally, laser therapy can be beneficial in the future if needed.
Want to Learn More About Tummy Tucks in El Paso, TX?
Call Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez to discover which tummy tuck option is best for you. Dr. G is a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert body contouring artist, and will help you choose the best tummy tuck technique that will get you the results you want without a large scar. Call today at (915) 600-2639 or fill out a contact form to get started.
