For many women, abdominal muscles that were weakened or separated during pregnancy do not knit back together; the result is a stubborn bulge that can even make you look like you are several months’ pregnant again.
A tummy tuck is an effective way of re-contouring the abdomen, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy – but it is not a decision anyone can take lightly.
During consultations at his Essex tummy tuck clinic, Mr Maisam Fazel encourages patients to talk through their doubts about opting for cosmetic surgery – and concerns about scars is very often high on the list.
Where will the scars lie?
During an abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make two incisions. The first is a long cut along your lower abdomen from hip to hip. The second is a circular one around the belly button. This allows them to lift the skin in order to access the abdominal wall; here, they can reposition the abdominal muscles and stitch them into place before removing any excess fat.
They will then suture the skin tautly back into place, excising any excess, before creating a new belly button. The low position of the transverse scar means that it can usually be concealed by underwear, and there are clever techniques that surgeons employ to disguise the belly button scar.
Essex surgeon Mr Maisam Fazel will show you before and after photos of previous tummy tuck patients so that you have a clear idea of what to expect.
What can I do to minimise the scar?
There is no way to avoid scars entirely – where an incision is made, a scar will follow. However, in the hands of a skilled, experienced surgeon, you can expect to have a scar that heals into a thin, discreet line.
The next step is to follow their aftercare instructions closely to facilitate healthy healing and, as a result, a less discernable tummy tuck scar.