Tummy Tuck Scar: Where It Sits and How It Heals

Where the scar sits

In a full abdominoplasty the incision runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. A second incision frees the navel, which is brought out through a new opening (NHS). That leaves one scar across the lower abdomen and one around the navel. In a partial abdominoplasty there is an incision across the lower abdomen, and the skin is separated from the abdominal wall below the navel (NHS).

At this practice the line is placed low and horizontal, so that it sits inside underwear or a swimming costume. In women who have had a caesarean section, the existing scar can be incorporated into the new one (ASPS).

How the scar changes over time

First months. The scar is raised, and red or a different colour from the surrounding skin. The NHS says such scars should fade over 12 to 18 months.
By one year. ASPS gives months to a year for the scar to fade as much as it will.
Afterwards. The scar is permanent. It fades; it does not disappear.
Sensation. Numbness of the abdomen lasts for months to years (NHS).

What affects healing

Smoking. A 2018 meta-analysis found that tobacco use significantly increased total postoperative complications after abdominoplasty (odds ratio 5.43; 95% CI 2.92 to 10.10), and that smoking predisposes to infection, delayed wound healing and skin necrosis.
Tension and movement. ASPS states that the incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion while they heal, and that following the surgeon’s instructions is essential.
The scar’s own behaviour. The NHS lists thick, obvious scars among the possible results. A history of thick or raised scars is told to the surgeon before the operation. Raised scars that grow beyond the wound are keloids, a different problem covered in keloid treatment options.

What can go wrong with the scar

The NHS lists thick, obvious scars, “dog ears” (extra skin at the edges of the scar), bulges under the skin, and wounds that fail to heal. It adds that occasionally people find the desired effect was not achieved and need another operation.

Scar care

A 2026 systematic review of non-surgical scar reduction methods reports that silicone gel improved pigmentation and pliability in hypertrophic scars. Which care suits a given scar, and when it starts, is set by the surgeon once the wound has closed.

Deciding about the scar before the shape

The trade in an abdominoplasty is a flatter abdomen for a permanent line. Liposuction is done through incisions of 3 to 4 millimetres, but it does not remove loose skin, which is the line between the two operations; it is set out in liposuction or tummy tuck. The questions to settle before an abdominoplasty are in questions to ask before a tummy tuck, and the healing timeline in tummy tuck recovery.

At this practice

Dr. Vincent ElKhoury, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, operates on every abdominoplasty himself, at Hayek Hospital or Bellevue Medical Center, after a consultation at his clinic in Mansourieh, Metn. The scar is discussed in detail before the decision, not after. What the operation changes and the printed patient information sheet are on the tummy tuck in Lebanon page. This page is information, not advice, and it does not replace the examination in person.

Questions

FAQ

Where is the scar after a tummy tuck?

Low and horizontal across the lower abdomen, from hip to hip in a full abdominoplasty, with a second scar around the navel (NHS). At this practice the line is placed to sit inside underwear or a swimming costume.

How long does a tummy tuck scar take to fade?

The NHS says raised, red scars should fade over 12 to 18 months, and ASPS gives months to a year for the scar to fade as much as it will. It fades; it does not disappear.

Does a tummy tuck leave a scar around the navel?

In a full abdominoplasty, yes. The navel is freed and brought out through a new opening, which leaves a scar around it (NHS).

Can a caesarean scar be used?

In women who have had a caesarean section, the existing scar can be incorporated into the new scar (ASPS).

Does smoking affect the scar?

It affects healing. A 2018 meta-analysis found that tobacco use significantly increased total postoperative complications after abdominoplasty and that smoking predisposes to infection, delayed wound healing and skin necrosis.

What if the scar becomes thick?

The NHS lists thick, obvious scars as a possible result of abdominoplasty. A scar that thickens is reviewed at the follow-up visits. A raised scar that grows beyond the wound is a keloid, a separate condition with its own treatment options.

Sources

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