Q: How long is the scar from the abdominoplasty?
A: The length of scar depends on the type of abdominoplasty procedure being done. It also depends on the amount of extra skin and weakness of the abdominal wall. The length of the scar usually extends from the upper pubic area to the front of the hips in a mini tummy tuck and extends just past the hip bones in a full abdominoplasty. In an extended abdominoplasty, the scar extends past the hip bone.
Q: Do scars disappear from an abdominoplasty?
A: No scars disappear. It takes a full year or two for scars to fully mature. Everyone’s scars heal differently, but typically, scars are red and then fade to pink. At their final maturity, we hope for fine white scars, but they will always be different from the surrounding skin. Dr. Lille places them in the most inconspicuous area along the bikini line in a banana shape to help conceal the scar in the most optimum way.
Q: Are drains used in abdominoplasty?
A: Dr. Lille uses one drain for a mini tummy tuck and two drains in a full or extended tummy tuck. They usually are left in for one to two weeks depending upon the amount of drainage in a day.
Q: Does Dr. Lille use anything to speed up healing in the operation?
A: While performing the tummy tuck on Scottsdale patients, Dr. Lille performs meticulous closure with all sutures below the skin, except for those in the belly button. He uses a tissue glue spray in the abdominal opening before closure, which facilitates healing and decreases the amount of drainage from the drainage tubes. He also utilizes a tissue glue tape on the exterior of the incision, which has proven to decrease wound dehiscence (opening) and create a nicer scar.
Q: How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A: The cost of a tummy tuck in Scottsdale varies depending on numerous factors. The price of an abdominoplasty is impacted by the length of time required to perform the surgery, the amount of tissue removed, and the techniques utilized.
