Blog Article
Posted on July 21st, 2012 in
Body Surgery, Tummy Tuck
Patients undergoing a
tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure will generally not require a vertical incision due to the high visibility of this location. In most cases, the surgeon will simply make their incision across the stomach just below the underwear line. For some cases, another incision will be made that encircles the belly button and allows for its repositioning.
The use of a vertical incision is only used when absolutely necessary, as these incision lines are more difficult to conceal with clothing that bares the midriff. According to the trusted plastic surgery website
RealSelf.com, this incision is generally only used when patients have had significant weight loss, such as 100 pounds of weight or more.
Vertical Incision Used for Patients with Significant Weight Loss
As with other body contouring procedures such as
arm lifts,
thigh lifts or breast reduction, there are a number of variables that determine the necessary incisions for each patient. The significance of each of these variables must be balanced in deciding what incisions are necessary for the best result. According to the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some of these factors may include:
- Amount of weight lost
- Elasticity of abdominal skin
- Previous surgical history
- Individual anatomy and tissue position
As a result of these factors, each patient’s incisions will be specifically dependent on their situation. Talking these factors over with your surgeon prior to the procedure will help ensure that your eventual result will best meet your needs.
Generally, vertical incisions are used as a last resort when any of the above factors play a significant role. When vertical incisions are determined to be necessary, the length of the vertical incision may still vary. In minimal cases, the incision may only extend to the bellybutton, but in cases with more significant skin removal required, the incision may extend several inches further upwards.
