Tummy Tucks Can Get Rid Of Ugly Scars

I have seen many patients who tell me that they would never wear a bikini at the beach or pool because they feel embarrassed about their tummy appearance. In many cases their pregnancies took a toll on their bellies. But for some women prior surgical scars – especially poorly healed and depressed scars – make them feel so much worse about their tummy appearance.


When people have a tummy tuck, in clinical terms -known as abdominoplasty, part of the lower abdominal skin is removed to create a smoother appearance. Frequently removing this skin will get rid of surgical scars, in particular scars from appendectomy, hysterectomy, or C-section. Of course an abdominoplasty results in a new scar from hip to hip, but it is intentionally located very low on the belly so it can be hidden by many styles of bikini bottoms, underwear, and low cut jeans or shorts.

From a surgeon's perspective, abdominal scars can present a challenge and special care must be taken when approaching the previous surgical site during the dissection of the abdominal wall.  An unexpected hernia may be encountered where the scar may be heavily tethered to the abdominal wall so and experienced plastic surgeon-will take all of this into consideration and must be prepared to deal with an opening into the dominant contents.  Although this is pretty uncommon, potential for injury intra-abdominal contents is possible.  Dr. Lyle attained board certification in general surgery prior to completing his plastic surgery training in has a great deal experience in treating abdominal hernias so is more comfortable when these are encountered.  Fortunately, most scars encountered in the lower abdomen are not associated with hernias.  One particular type of abdominal scar that can present problems is a vertical scar extending from the belly button to the pubic area.  These are often tethered to the midline and had a depressed appearance which is very unsightly.  When they are depressed like this from previous C-section or lower abdominal surgeries.  They can often be tethered to the midline fascia and hernias may be associated with them.

Upper abdominal scars can present more challenges.  The old-fashioned gallbladder scar from a cholecystectomy -call the  Kocher incision is often from just under the lower rib margin across to the lateral right abdomen.  These  scars generally cannot be removed and present problems with blood flow to the tissues below them  which are pulled down to the pubic area during abdominoplasty. This previous interruption of blood flow can create areas of ischemia or loss of blood supply to the midline abdominal wall and can have disastrous consequences especially with large long scars.  Plastic surgeons must be very mindful on these cases and in some cases need to modify the abdominoplasty or do a mini abdominoplasty with liposuction to avoid major wound healing problems and wants to abdominal skin.

  Smaller upper  abdominal incisions such as laparoscopic scars usually present no difficulty but often have small hernias underneath which need to be repaired.


In these  pictures, you can see this 50 year-old woman with noticeable scars from the removal of an ovary and three C-sections. Although very fit, she would never wear a two piece bathing suit that showed her belly. During surgery, those scars were removed with her lower abdominal skin. After surgery, she had a much smoother and flatter tummy appearance.  Her new scar from the abdominoplasty is hidden with her underwear. She recently returned for a post op appointment and was so happy with her results that she wore a bikini while on a trip to the Caribbean!

Looking to get rid of ugly abdominal scars?  Reach out to Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center at 919-307-8585 to arrange a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Lyle.

About Dr Lyle - Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh NC

Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh, NC community at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center since 2002. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in breast surgery and body contouring, to enhance patients' appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, and aging. 

Dr. Lyle completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyle has contributed to the field through research, publications, and presentations at national meetings. His practice emphasizes patient safety and personalized care to achieve natural results.

Next Steps

If you’re considering a tummy tuck surgery in Raleigh, NC, and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks and results, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Let’s work together to help you achieve your best results—safely and beautifully.

To book a consultation please fill in the contact form or phone the office on 919 307 85 85.