While a tummy tuck does leave a scar, it’s typically low, discreet, and easily hidden by underwear or swimwear. Over time, the scar should fade significantly, and most patients find that their results far outweigh any concerns about scarring.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, one of the most common concerns I hear from tummy tuck patients is whether their scars will be noticeable. In this post, I’ll explain exactly where the incision is placed, what a “good” tummy tuck scar looks like, how it heals over time, and what you can do to help it fade.
Does a Tummy Tuck Leave a Scar?
Yes, the main tummy tuck scar will run horizontally from hip to hip. Surgical technique matters here, and I do my best to make it as low on the abdomen as possible, typically just above the pubic area. This ensures that it won’t be visible even in underwear or a bikini.
Where Is a Tummy Tuck Scar Located?
The location of a tummy tuck scar depends on the type of tummy tuck performed and the amount of excess skin removed. Mini, full, and extended tummy tuck procedures each require different incision lengths and placements, as shown below. Both full and extended tummy tucks also require incisions around the bellybutton, but the scar will be hidden within the folds of the navel.
Keep in mind that if you combine liposuction with your tummy tuck, your liposuction incisions will be much smaller and well hidden within your body’s natural creases and folds, if possible.
What Does a Good Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?
A good tummy tuck scar has straight, clean edges once it has healed fully. Your plastic surgeon’s expertise and technique significantly influence the appearance of your scar. Most well-made tummy tuck scars appear:
- Flat or slightly raised early on
- Initially darker than the surrounding skin, fading over 12 to 18 months
- Even edges without thickening or distortion
Do Tummy Tuck Scars Go Away Over Time?
Tummy tuck scars never disappear completely, but they should eventually fade significantly with proper care. Scar refinement usually takes 1 to 2 years. Here’s a general timeline of scar progression:
- 0 to 3 months: Scar is firm and dark (red, pink, or brown)
- 3 to 12 months: Scar begins to flatten and fade
- 1 to 10 years: Stable, lighter scar
Can You Tell If Someone Has Had a Tummy Tuck?
Most people cannot tell someone has had a tummy tuck if the scar is well healed and concealed, as clothing usually covers it. As my patients’ before and after photos below show, the change in body contour is much more noticeable than the tummy tuck scar.
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How Do Patients Hide Their Tummy Tuck Scars?
Most patients are able to hide their tummy tuck scars easily because the incision is placed low on the abdomen and typically concealed by underwear or swimwear. As the scar heals and fades over time, it becomes less noticeable in everyday clothing.
For patients who want further improvement, nonsurgical treatments such as laser scar resurfacing or microneedling may help refine scar texture and color once healing is complete. Your surgeon can recommend whether these options are appropriate based on how your scar matures.
How Can I Improve or Minimize My Tummy Tuck Scar?
Here are a few steps you can take at home to improve your tummy tuck scars:
- Keep your incision clean and dry
- Follow your aftercare instructions
- Keep your incision protected from sunlight as much as possible (it can interfere with healing and cause discoloration, which may be permanent)
- Use a fragrance-free white lotion to keep your scar hydrated
- Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or weeping
The refined technique I use during tummy tuck procedures minimizes the risk of excessive, discolored, or raised scars. Following these guidelines and your postsurgical instructions helps support a well-healed scar.
Is a Tummy Tuck Scar Worth It?
Yes, most patients believe the scar is worth the confidence-boosting results of a tummy tuck. Scarring is an important consideration, of course, but it’s just one aspect of the overall tummy tuck experience. Since the scar is so easily hidden even in swimwear, it is unlikely to have any negative effect on your appearance.
My patients say they feel free to show off their tighter, more toned abdomens and celebrate their new silhouettes without worrying about showing signs of surgery. If you think a tummy tuck may help you feel more confident, it’s important to recognize that the benefits will likely far outweigh any drawbacks associated with scarring.
To see more real patient examples of tummy tuck results for a better idea of the scarring you can expect, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck options in Gilbert, AZ, please contact us online or call (480) 466-7355 (Gilbert) to request a personal consultation.
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