Tummy Tuck Scars: Your Complete Guide

Posted July 30, 2025 in Tummy Tuck

Year after year, patients choose tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to achieve a sleek, firm abdominal contour. Naturally, one of the biggest concerns for many is the potential for scarring. This blog will provide information on scar type and location, as well as a healing timeline and tips for optimal scar care.

4 Min Read:

Table of Contents

• Types of Tummy Tuck Scars
• Full Tummy Tuck
• Circumferential Tummy Tuck
• Where Are Tummy Tuck Scars Located?
• Tummy Tuck Scar Healing
• Scar Healing Timeline
• Why Choose Dr. Thompson for Your Tummy Tuck?
• Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Colts Neck, NJ

Types of Tummy Tuck Scars

Tummy tuck incisions vary a bit, depending on the technique you and Dr. Thompson select together, based on your needs and goals.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full, or standard tummy tuck, involves the removal of excess skin and fat, as well as abdominal muscle repair as needed. The incision for a standard tummy tuck extends from hip to hip. Women who have given birth via C-section often have their incision incorporated into their tummy tuck incision.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

This technique has the most extensive incision, wrapping around the sides of the torso and extending along the back. That said, this technique addresses excess skin and fat all around the torso, making it one of the most transformative approaches to a tummy tuck. It is an excellent option for patients who have undergone significant weight loss.

Where Are Tummy Tuck Scars Located?

Standard tummy tuck incisions are placed very low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area. This allows them to be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.

The scar for a circumferential tummy tuck is also designed to be concealed under most clothing, underwear, and swimwear, but it extends all the way around the waist (resembling a belt).

Tummy Tuck Scar Healing

You may be concerned with the appearance of a noticeable scar on your belly, but the good news is: you have some control here! There are several effective methods you can use to ensure your incision heals properly and the resulting scar is as subtle as possible.

• Wear your compression garment. This helps control swelling, increases blood circulation and nutrient delivery to the area, and reduces pressure on the incisions, which can, in turn, help reduce visible scarring.
• Silicone sheets and scar gel like BIOCORNEUM® help to hydrate and soften the forming scar.
• Gentle scar massage can also help mitigate fibrosis in the tissues or keloid scar formation, resulting in a smoother, flatter scar. Dr. Thompson offers post-operative lymphatic massage with the Ballancer®Pro system. He can also discuss proper at-home massage techniques.
• Discuss further treatments with Dr. Thompson. After allowing a scar several months to heal and fade, you can further improve its appearance with non-surgical procedures like microneedling or laser resurfacing.

Always follow Dr. Thompson’s instructions carefully, and be sure to bring any concerns to his attention so he and his team can help you with scar management.

Scar Healing Timeline

• Immediately after surgery, the incision will likely be red, raised, and swollen. It will continue to improve after sutures are removed.
• A few months after surgery, scars may begin to flatten and fade to a soft pink or brown color.
• Six to twelve months after surgery, scars will continue to fade and may become less noticeable.
• Twelve to eighteen months after surgery, scars are considered mature, although they may still be slightly visible. At this time, you can begin other treatments, such as microneedling, to help them fade.

Why Choose Dr. Thompson for Your Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Rudolf Thompson is a compassionate board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in providing a safe and positive surgical experience to his patients. With extensive training in body contouring surgery, he has helped hundreds of patients achieve stunning, transformative results with abdominoplasty at his practice in Colts Neck, NJ. He and his team are passionate about helping patients look and feel their best.

Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Colts Neck, NJ

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, it’s important to choose a surgeon who is highly trained and will take the time to listen to your unique concerns. Dr. Thompson and his team have been serving patients in Colts Neck for years, helping them achieve outstanding results safely. To schedule a consultation, call us at (732) 410-4789 or fill out our online contact form.