: Before & After Photos

Scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure – it’s part of our skin’s way of healing a wound by building new tissue. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is no different. If you’re getting a tummy tuck, you can expect to have a scar. Still, there are steps you can take to minimize their long-term visibility before and after your surgery. While I take great care to leave you with the least visible scar possible, most patients find the results of their tummy tuck to be well-worth any scarring.

What’s Involved in the Procedure?

After making an incision, the skin in your abdominal region is lifted so that excess fat can be removed, and the abdominal muscles can be tightened. The skin is then re draped and the excess is removed.

What Types of Scars Can I Expect?

The size, location, and visibility of scars will depend on the type of abdominoplasty you need. If you need a mini-tuck, you will have a smaller, more easily hidden scar as a result of the smaller incision. The scar is usually below the belly button and only a little longer than a C-section scar.

For more traditional tummy tucks, the scar will be from hip to hip and well-hidden in the bikini line. You will have a scar around your belly button since it’s typically relocated during your procedure.

If you have experienced significant weight loss, you can expect a large upside-down T-shaped scar across the abdomen. This is usually because there is horizontal skin excess as well as vertical excess, so the incision will extend up the midline of the abdomen.

What Kind of Scarring is Normal?

The scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but I do my best to produce the smallest, thinnest, least visible scar possible. Scars also mature over a period of one to two years and become significantly less visible with time.  If you have undergone a cesarean section, I often am able to incorporate your existing scar into the new scar or remove the old scar entirely.

Although your scar will be mostly healed after 12 weeks, it can take up to a year to fully heal. Following my pre- and post-operative care instructions will give you the best chance of minimizing the visibility of your scars.

What Can I Do Before Surgery To Prevent Scarring?

During your surgical planning appointment, bring underwear or bikini bottoms so you can get a clear idea of where the scarring will be in relation to your panty line. You should also bring up any specific concerns you may have regarding scarring. Prior to your procedure, you should stop smoking for at least six weeks to reduce complications.

Take the Next Step

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation with Andrew Barnett M.D. to discuss your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735. Renee or Laurie will help you and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!

We are socialized to look at each other in the eyes when we communicate, and as a result, we become very sensitive to eyelid changes.  Aging, stress, and health are reflected in the appearance of our eyes, often long before we see those changes in other areas of our face. You see those changes, and others do as well!   Ready to erase years off your face, but curious about what to expect during blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) recovery? Don’t worry. I’ll help you determine which procedure will achieve your desired results, and provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan for achieving an optimal outcome.

I’ll use my advanced surgical skills and artistry to complete this 1-1.5 hour procedure in a relatively painless, simple procedure.

Early Recovery

Every person is unique and recovers at a different pace. Recovering from blepharoplasty is short and straightforward, though it can result in temporary side effects (such as minor blurring of your vision and light sensitivity). Bruising and swelling typically peak 3-4 days after surgery and can last anywhere between 10-14 days.  With make-up and glasses (pull out those readers!) you’ll often be ready to return to work and social activity in a week.

Other general recovery recommendations:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and supplements ahead of surgery
• Use Arnica before and after surgery
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Protect your eyes from the sun, water, and other irritants
• Get plenty of rest
• Minimize screen-time for one week

Some patients experience mild discomfort, dry eyes, and irritation, which can be managed with medication or lubricating ointment.

When can I go Back to Work and Resume other Activities?

Excess strain on your eyes or body can cause bleeding, extending your total recovery time. It’s best to start slow and listen to your body. If your eyes become tired, dry, or scratchy, it’s probably time to stop and rest.

All external skin sutures are removed by four to seven days following surgery.  On your lower eyelids, I often use an internal dissolvable suspension stitch for lower eyelid surgery, which takes between four and six weeks to fully dissolve. During this time, your lower eyelid is held up at a slight angle to prevent it from drooping as you heal. Once the stitches have dissolved, your eye will return to its normal shape.

Returning to Work

Patients are usually able to return to work after 5 to 7 days, with some exceptions. If you work from home or have a job that isn’t physically strenuous, you may be able to return to work as soon as two days. You can expect to have visible stitches until they are removed at four to seven days post-surgery. In procedures where only fat pads are removed from below the lower eyelid, stitches are not required. Bruising and swelling may be present for 10-14 days.

Resuming Exercise

When it comes to light exercise, sports, or more strenuous activities, it’s important to remember that recovery time depends a lot on your overall health. Non-smokers tend to heal quicker than smokers, and can usually resume their normal workout routine after two weeks.

How Long Before I See Final Results from My Blepharoplasty?

The results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting. You’ll get a nice boost to your self-confidence from your newly rejuvenated, well-rested appearance.  With a board-certified plastic surgeon, most patients experience optimal results within three to six weeks. Your appearance will continue to improve over three or four months.  If you have an important social event, where photos will be taken, it’s probably a good idea to complete your surgery six to eight weeks ahead of the event.

Although good results are expected, the natural aging process does not stop. Additionally, desired results may not be possible with a single procedure, necessitating a secondary surgery. For a majority of patients, needing more than a minor touch-up is rare, even after ten to fifteen years.