One of the challenges with an advanced cosmetic surgery procedure such as tummy tuck is that some degree of permanent scarring will occur. The sunny news, however, is that the scars can be minimized and hidden well so that most people will never know about the scar.
A skilled and experienced tummy tuck surgeon will adopt less invasive surgical techniques and innovative approaches to minimize the scars. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and surrounding locations.
Understanding Tummy Tuck Scars
The length and appearance of the scar will depend on the extent of tummy tuck surgery required and the type of surgical technique employed by the surgeon. While some amount of scarring will occur even in a less invasive tummy tuck plastic surgery, the scars can heal well and they do not have to appear raised and unsightly beyond a certain period of time.
With a skilled surgeon, most patients will not feel that their tummy tuck scars are “bad” once full healing has occurred. Strategic placement of incisions during the surgery will ensure that the scars are well-concealed in clothing or even a swim suit.
Patients should remember that scar healing will not take place very quickly. It may take up to a year for the body to reach a point where the scar will lose much of reddish color, flatten out, and eventually turn into a thin, white line. The tradeoff will be worth it considering the significant aesthetic benefits a tummy tuck surgery can provide.
Surgical Planning
To begin with, the cosmetic surgeon will determine that the patient is a good candidate for tummy tuck. Once the candidacy issue is settled, the surgeon will create a customized plan to fit the specific needs of the patient. The ideal plan will strike a balance between achieving a flatter and firmer abdomen, while limiting the scarring to a reasonable degree.
Pre- and post-surgery instructions of the surgeon and the diligent following of those instructions by the patient will make an important difference to speedy healing and the extent of scarring. Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Incision Placement
The crucial decision with regard to the scarring will be where the surgeon places the incision. Discreet placement will ensure that the scars are less visible or hidden from others. The length and shape of the incision will be in accordance with the patient’s unique anatomical and aesthetic needs. If the incision follows the curve of the patient’s anatomy above the pubic area, scarring will be more discreet.
How the Incision is Made
In addition to placement, how the surgeon makes the incision is also very important. If the incision is clean and smooth, both sides of the skin will close optimally once the excess skin has been excised.
If the abdominal walls are weak due to separated muscles, the surgeon can reposition and secure them by suturing them together. This will ensure that the muscles do not stretch the scar or interfere with the healing process.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.