Have you ever wondered why a tummy tuck scar is typically quite long? The length of the scar isn't based on personal preference but is dictated by the principles of geometry involved in the procedure. During a tummy tuck, skin is removed and the remaining edges must be tapered off smoothly to ensure a seamless closure. This tapering process, often described as 'ellipsing out,' requires that the incision be extended to prevent any irregularities or lumps, known as 'dog ears,' at the ends of the scar. This method is similar to how a tailor would alter clothing, not by removing just a small section but by adjusting the entire seam for a smooth finish. Thus, while a shorter scar might seem desirable, a longer, smoother scar is crucial for a neat appearance and comfort, particularly when wearing snug clothing or swimwear.
"Why does a tummy tuck scar have to be so long?" And the answer is a tummy tuck scar gets decided not by what I want, but by geometry. So let me explain you the basic principles. As you remove skin, in order for it to bevel out nicely, in other words, when you ellipse it out for the corners to come together smoothly, you need to go at least for everyone, maybe three or four long. So as you remove more, you need to go longer. As you remove more, you need to go longer. The purpose is so that you get a nice cleavage at the end, because if you remove a lot of skin in a short distance, you get a lumping effect on the sides. That's known as a dog ear, and that's a layman's term for geometry. It's called coning. It's an accumulation. So just imagine I remove a lot of skin, and then I don't remove it here, and then you get a buildup here. Then you go back to your dog and you're like, "What's this?" And they go, "Oh yeah, we just need to cut that out and guess how long your scar will be. What it ought to have been from the beginning. So geometry is going to dictate for you just like a tailor or seamstress when they remove, they don't just remove a little segment, they open up the entire seam and then take it out so that it's smooth. The objective is that when you wear lace underwear or a thong or a bikini that it's very smooth against your body without any irregularities on the outside. So, as much as I'd love to give you a short scar, I promise you having a longer scar that smooth is way better than a shorter one with a bunch of lumps.
When Dr. Rahban does a consultation with a prospective patient, he wants it to be two things above all others: thorough and honest. He will find out from you just what you want from cosmetic surgery. And he will tell you honestly if you can get the result you want, and how he can best help you do so.
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