While there is no truly scarless tummy tuck procedure, there are techniques that can be employed by a cosmetic surgeon to reduce the size and visibility of tummy tuck scars. All tummy tuck procedures require that an incision be made in the abdominal region in order to excise undesirable fat and skin from the tummy area and tighten the abdominal muscles.

There are two major types of tummy tuck procedures that are available to patients who wish to enhance the shape and contour of their midsection: the traditional complete tummy tuck surgery and the lower or mini-tummy tuck procedure. The mini or lower abdominal tummy tuck procedure is often referred to as a scarless tummy tuck because the scars are smaller and less visible than those associated with the traditional procedure.

The scarless tummy tuck procedure is most effective in enhancing the appearance and shape of those individuals with fat deposits limited to the lower abdominal region. With a scarless tummy tuck procedure, the incision that a surgeon makes extends vertically across the lower abdominal area, and is easily concealed under a bikini or underwear after the surgery is complete.

The traditional procedure often involves a long vertical scar that extends from hip to hip. This procedure usually involves an additional incision to remove and reposition the navel to an aesthetically pleasing position. The scarless tummy tuck procedure involves a much smaller vertical scar and the navel is usually not repositioned.

The scarless tummy tuck procedure poses a lower surgical risk to patients. On average, a scarless tummy tuck surgery is completed in an hour or two. The shorter time period that a person is under anesthesia correlates with a lower risk of some surgical complications. Scarless tummy tuck procedures can be performed under a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic plus a sedative. Once the scarless tummy tuck surgery is complete a patient is usually released from the medical facility to recover in the comforts of their own home.

During the first four to six weeks following scarless tummy tuck surgery, most patients experience some degree of pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. More serious complications are rare, but can include: infection, bleeding, skin necrosis, and slowed healing. It is vital to a scarless tummy tuck patient's well being to follow all after-surgery care instructions provided by their surgeon.

Smoking after scarless tummy tuck surgery is strongly discouraged, as this can delay the healing process and result in larger and more prominent scars. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of these concerns with you prior to surgery in order to mitigate the risks of scarless tummy tuck surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about scarless tummy tuck surgery, please contact us to speak with a well qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in your area.