One of the biggest drawbacks of having a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure is that it leaves a scar. Scarring is a natural part of healing, but everyone finds them slightly unattractive. So how bad is the scarring with a tummy tuck? It really depends on the type of procedure you have. With partial or lower tummy tucks the scars are much less noticeable than with a full tummy tuck. The scars are permanent, but surgeons create incisions that will leave a scar below the bikini line so that they are not seen. Right after surgery for anywhere between two weeks to a few months there may be bruising and swelling around the scar. Extreme bruising and swelling can be avoided by following post surgery instructions carefully. Tummy tuck scars actually have a tendency to look worse three to six months after surgery, then slowly begin to flatten out and lighten in color.
Full Tummy Tuck Scar
A full tummy tuck scar reaches from hip to hip in the lower stomach area, and around the navel. This is because two incisions must be made for a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat, tightening the muscles and repositioning the navel.
Partial, Mini or Lower Tummy Tuck Scar
These tummy tuck procedures only produce one scar. This scar is in a horizontal line in the lower stomach. No scar is made around the navel because the procedure is not so extensive that the navel needs to be surgically removed.
Other Factors to Consider
Other complications may increase how noticeable the scars are from a tummy tuck procedure. If a liposuction procedure is also done at the same time as the tummy tuck, which is quite common, there may be some skin irregularity. There is also the possibility that a patient will experience bleeding or an infection. Although this is rare it can happen and may make the scar heal improperly.
How to Reduce the Severity of a Tummy Tuck Scar
There are things the patient can do to reduce scarring: wear compression garments as the doctor recommends, allow an appropriate amount of healing time, avoid smoking, aspirin and any other items that will slow healing.
Although scarring is something that will happen with every tummy tuck procedure. The other results are dramatic and long lasting. Consider carefully if this is a good option for you and understand what to expect. A tummy tuck is after all still a surgery even if it is elective. It is important to do some research, understand how it works and what surgeons are looking for in a good procedure. If that is not what you want you may want to consider other options.
Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://tummy-tucks.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on Tummy Tuck.