Since there are a number of different approaches to abdominoplasty, there are a number of different places in which the surgical scars could ultimately be. The location of these scars depends on your particular type of tummy tuck. We describe the most common tummy tuck scar locations.

Most Scars are in the Lower Abdomen

Since the traditional tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck procedures remove skin and fat from the lower abdomen, the surgical scars are usually in the lower abdomen. The location of the incision predicts where the scar will form. The basic incision will be across the lower belly, above the pubic area. It runs roughly horizontal, but the incision may dip down in the middle of the body making it U-shaped. The length of the incision depends on the amount of tissue being removed.

The Location of the Scar is Individualized

There is no standard way of making the abdominoplasty incision but rather a set of guidelines that surgeons follow. The goal of the surgical incision is to minimize the appearance of the surgical scar. If there is a natural crease in the skin of the lower abdomen, which there usually is, the surgeon will try to follow this crease as much as possible. Also, if the patient has a previous surgical scar in about the right place, the surgeon may use this to direct the cut.

Consult with a Professional

Most plastic surgeons will do their very best to minimize scarring from a tummy tuck. Ask your surgeon what steps are taken to hide the tummy tuck scar. You may also ask how long the scar is likely to be in your particular case.