The Journal / Body
The Tummy Tuck Scar, Planned to Disappear
Low bikini placement, careful closure and a proven scar care plan from Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. John Burns.
Scar types, the belly button, a month-by-month healing timeline and what actually works.
Medically reviewed by John L. Burns Jr., MD, FACS · Board-certified plastic surgeon · Dallas, Texas · Updated October 2026
The short answer
A tummy tuck scar is permanent, but it can be nearly invisible. Dr. Burns places a low, curved bikini incision below the underwear and swimsuit line, closes it in layers to reduce tension, then protects it with silicone, sun protection and optional laser. Most scars fade substantially over 12 to 24 months.
Want a personal answer? Start a free online tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Burns and share your goals and photos privately.
In this article
- Why the tummy tuck scar matters
- Tummy tuck scar placement
- Types of tummy tuck scars
- The belly button scar
- The 5 secrets for nearly invisible scars
- Tummy tuck scar healing timeline
- What the evidence says about scar care
- Raised scars and scar revision
- Cost and financing
- Tummy tuck scars in Dallas
- Why Dr. Burns
- FAQ
- The takeaway
Why the Tummy Tuck Scar Matters
Women and men choose a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for many reasons: to address changes to the body after pregnancy or weight loss, to create a more sculpted contour, to feel more confident, and to restore function to a stretched abdominal wall. Yet most women pause before trading their cosmetic and functional concerns for a permanent scar line.
Unsightly tummy tuck scars and scars that have not fully matured can be easy to spot, but well-hidden and well-healed tummy tuck scars are rarely noticed. In my practice, we have a formula for getting the best results long term. Here is how it works, plus what else to know about the tummy tuck scar.
— John L. Burns Jr., MD, FACS
During a tummy tuck, loose skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen, liposuction can be used to sculpt the abdomen and love handles, and the central abdominal muscles are re-tightened. All of it is done through one incision, so its placement matters. For the full procedure overview, see tummy tuck in Dallas with Dr. John Burns; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons also offers patient information on abdominoplasty.
Tummy Tuck Scar Placement: Low, Curved and Hidden
Dr. Burns is known for his low-scar bikini incision, designed to hide the tummy tuck scar below the underwear or swimsuit line. The incision is placed as low as possible. As a rule of thumb, the lowest part of the incision can be placed about 6 cm above the vaginal cleft, which is lower than a typical C-section scar.
- Height. The scar sits below a typical panty or bikini line, out of view in underwear, swimsuits, pants and tucked tops.
- Shape. Dr. Burns uses a curved (curvilinear) incision. A straight incision can make the waist look rectangular and may show at the sides below the panty line.
- Length. The incision is long enough to remove all of the excess skin, stretch marks and “dog ears” at the ends, but no longer than needed.
If you prefer thong or high-cut swimwear, tell Dr. Burns at your consultation. Read more in The Bikini Incision: How Low Can You Go?
Types of Tummy Tuck Scars: Mini, Full, Extended and More
The length of your scar depends on how much loose skin needs to come out and where it is. Here is how the main tummy tuck types compare.
The fleur-de-lis pattern trades a more visible vertical scar for removal of horizontal excess, so it is reserved for selected patients after major weight loss. Dr. Burns will explain which pattern fits your skin.
Muscle repair does not add to the outside scar. In a corset tummy tuck, Dr. Burns tightens the abdominal wall from the rib cage to the pubic region through the same low incision.
The Belly Button Scar
In a standard or extended tummy tuck the belly button stays in its original place while the abdominal skin is pulled down around it, then it is brought out through a new opening and sutured in place. That leaves a second, small scar around the navel, so its shape gets as much attention as the low incision.
In a mini tummy tuck there is usually no incision around the belly button at all. In select patients with a longer torso and a higher-set belly button, Dr. Burns can “float” the belly button: the stalk is released at its base so the navel moves down slightly with the skin, then it is reattached to the abdominal wall. The result is a belly button with no scar around it, sitting slightly lower. Learn more in floating the belly button in a tiny tuck.
Wondering how low your tummy tuck scar can be?
Dr. Burns will mark your incision around your anatomy and the swimwear you like to wear.
Ask about your scar placementThe 5 Secrets for Nearly Invisible Tummy Tuck Scars
Secret 1: Concealed incision placement
It starts in the operating room. The bikini incision is designed to hide the scar below a typical panty or bikini line, so that once it has matured it reads as a fine line that underwear or a bikini bottom should conceal.
Closure matters as much as placement. Dr. Burns closes the tummy tuck incision in layers: the deep fascial layer (Scarpa’s fascia) first, then the deep dermis with the skin edges slightly everted so the scar is less likely to widen, then a running suture just under the skin surface.
Secret 2: Early scar care
Steri-Strips are placed across the incision to decrease tension on it. Patients maintain a slightly stooped posture during the first week; after that, most can stand fully upright. For the first two weeks, keep the incision clean and moist with a topical antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin to help prevent infection.
Secret 3: Scar gel and silicone sheeting
After a few weeks, once the incision has healed enough, topical scar treatment begins with silicone gel and silicone sheets. Dr. Burns’ favorite scar products are SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel and BioCorneum. The silicone sheets are placed over the scar and worn as much as possible for the first 3 months.
Secret 4: Laser resurfacing therapy
About one month after your tummy tuck, laser treatment can begin to stimulate collagen and retexture the scar. The laser is typically done in a series of four treatments spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, and the laser is chosen according to your skin type. Laser is optional, but it is popular with patients who want the best possible scar quality.
Post-surgical scar therapy, lymphatic massage and contour treatments are available at JOLA Aesthetics, where Dr. Burns is Medical Director. For selected scars, JOLA also offers fractional CO2 resurfacing to improve texture; read about eCO2 3D CO2 laser resurfacing at JOLA and how CO2 and erbium lasers compare.
Secret 5: Avoid the things that widen and darken scars
- Strenuous exercise for the first several months, because it puts tension on the incision.
- Direct sun on the scar. Keep it covered, and apply SPF to prevent hyperpigmentation (Dr. Burns likes EltaMD).
- Smoking and nicotine vaping, which decrease blood supply to the incision.
Once the incision has healed, light scar massage helps the scar soften and remodel. Remember that tummy tuck scars can take up to 24 months to fully mature.
Tummy Tuck Scar Healing Timeline
These stages are estimates, not guarantees; skin type, genetics, tension, sun and scar care all change the pace.
Week 1
Sutures and Steri-Strips are in place. The incision may look raised, red and slightly swollen. You walk slightly stooped and keep the incision clean and moist.
Weeks 2 to 6
The incision seals shut. Once Dr. Burns confirms it has healed enough, silicone gel and sheeting begin. Around one month, an optional laser series can start. Most patients are cleared for strenuous activity around 4 to 6 weeks, but exercise that strains the incision is limited longer.
Around 3 months
Redness begins to fade and the scar starts to flatten, though it may stay pink or purple. Silicone sheeting is typically worn through this point.
Around 6 months
The scar is flatter and softer. Color keeps moving toward your natural skin tone through months 6 to 12.
12 months
Many scars are much lighter and smoother. It may still be visible up close but blends better with the surrounding skin.
1 to 2 years and beyond
Final maturation. A well-healed scar becomes a fine, pale line. Changes slow after 2 years; ongoing sun protection helps keep it that way.
If your tummy tuck is combined with liposuction for a more defined waist, swelling resolves on a similar timeline; see how to get the thinnest possible waist with a tummy tuck with lipo.
Tummy Tuck Scar Care: What the Evidence Says
Raised, Wide or High Scars and Tummy Tuck Revision
Most tummy tuck scars heal well, but not all. A hypertrophic scar is thick and raised but stays within the incision; a keloid grows beyond it. Scars can also widen under tension, darken with sun, or sit higher than a patient wants.
Following aftercare instructions closely helps prevent complications such as hypertrophic scars. If a scar is thickening, call early: silicone, laser and other in-office treatments work best when started early. Once a scar has matured, tummy tuck revision can lower an incision below the panty line, remove dog ears and revise the belly button.
Every tummy tuck also carries surgical risks, including pain, bleeding, infection, fluid collections, healing problems and blood clots. Complication rates are lower with a BMI in the normal range, ideally at least below 30.
Cost and Financing
Your fee reflects the type of tummy tuck, whether liposuction is added, anesthesia and facility, and post-surgical scar therapy. Your personal quote is provided at consultation. Many patients combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover in Dallas, which can mean one recovery instead of two.
If you are planning a tummy tuck, financing can make the timing easier. Dr. Burns offers plastic surgery financing through partners such as CareCredit, PatientFi and Cherry.
Tummy Tuck Scars in Dallas: Your Path
Dr. Burns sees tummy tuck patients at 9201 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, in Dallas. Many begin with a free online consultation, then meet in person so he can examine skin, muscle and fat and plan your incision and scar care. Texas sun is hard on a new scar, so plan for covered, sun-protected healing.
Newsweek named Dr. Burns one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons, with tummy tuck among his 2026 categories. See real outcomes in the before-and-after gallery, and read patient reviews. Above all, never compromise on board certification: choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Why patients choose Dr. Burns for a tummy tuck
John L. Burns Jr., MD, FACS
Dr. Burns is one of the nation’s leading body contouring board-certified plastic surgeons and practices a low bikini-line incision technique designed to keep the tummy tuck scar hidden by most undergarments and swimwear.
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- More than 25 years of experience
- First plastic surgeon in the U.S. to complete a fellowship in laser surgery (UT Southwestern Medical Center); Clinical Instructor of Plastic Surgery, UT Southwestern
- Plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch; summa cum laude, UTMB Research Honors Program; Alpha Omega Alpha
- Microvascular training at MD Anderson Cancer Center; cosmetic surgery training in Miami; Vanderbilt University graduate
- Medical Director, JOLA Aesthetics; Past President, Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute; Board of Directors, Share-A-Smile Foundation
- Named one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026); 2026 categories: breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, facelift, liposuction, rhinoplasty and tummy tuck
- D Magazine Best Doctors 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026; D Magazine “The Face of Breast Augmentation” 2024 and 2025; Texas Monthly Super Doctors 2024
- Allergan Double Black Diamond practice (Botox and filler, top 20 in the U.S.)
Read Dr. Burns’ full biography · Read patient reviews · View the before-and-after gallery
Frequently asked questions about tummy tuck scars
How long does it take for a tummy tuck scar to fade?
Most tummy tuck scars are red or pink for the first few months, flatten and lighten between about 6 and 12 months, and keep maturing for up to 24 months. Timing varies from person to person.
Where is the tummy tuck scar located?
Dr. Burns uses a low, curved bikini incision. As a rule of thumb the lowest part of the incision can be placed about 6 cm above the vaginal cleft, so the scar sits below a typical panty or bikini line and is usually hidden by underwear and most swimsuits.
How long is a tummy tuck scar?
Length depends on the type of tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck scar rests inside the hip bones, a standard scar runs from hip bone to hip bone, an extended scar continues onto the flanks, and a circumferential body lift scar goes all the way around the trunk.
When can I use silicone sheets or scar gel after a tummy tuck?
Once the incision has healed enough, usually after the first couple of weeks. Dr. Burns recommends silicone gel and silicone sheeting worn as much as possible for about the first 3 months.
Will I have a scar around my belly button?
In a standard or extended tummy tuck the belly button stays in its original place and the skin is brought around it, which leaves a small scar around the navel. In some mini tummy tucks there is no incision there, and in select patients Dr. Burns floats the belly button so there is no scar around it.
Can a tummy tuck remove my C-section scar?
Often, yes. Dr. Burns places the tummy tuck incision low, typically lower than a C-section scar, and a C-section scar that lies within the skin being removed is taken out with it. A mini tummy tuck can sometimes be done through the C-section scar.
Why is my tummy tuck scar raised or red?
Some redness and thickness are normal early on. A scar that stays raised, firm or itchy may be hypertrophic. Tell Dr. Burns early, because silicone, laser and other treatments work best when started early.
Can laser treatment improve a tummy tuck scar?
Yes, for many patients. Dr. Burns has used a series of about four laser treatments spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, starting about one month after surgery, with the laser chosen by skin type. Scar therapy is offered at JOLA Aesthetics, where fractional CO2 can also improve the texture of selected scars.
Can a bad tummy tuck scar be revised?
Yes. A scar that is too high, wide, uneven or has dog ears can often be improved with tummy tuck revision, which can lower the incision below the panty line and revise the belly button. Revision is usually considered after the scar has matured.
Does sun exposure make tummy tuck scars worse?
Yes. A new scar can tan and darken faster than the skin around it. Keep the scar covered, and once it has healed use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Dr. Burns likes EltaMD.
Does smoking or vaping affect tummy tuck scars?
Yes. Nicotine from smoking or vaping reduces blood supply to the incision, which can impair healing and worsen the scar.
When can I massage my tummy tuck scar?
Only after the incision is fully healed and Dr. Burns clears you. Light massage helps the scar soften and remodel.
The takeaway
A tummy tuck scar is permanent, but where it sits and how it heals are not left to chance. A low, curved bikini incision, a layered closure, early silicone and sun protection, optional laser and patience through 12 to 24 months of maturation turn it into a fine line most people never notice.
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John L. Burns Jr., MD, FACS · 9201 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75231 · 214-515-0002 · Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM
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Scar therapy and nonsurgical options: JOLA Aesthetics
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Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Tummy Tuck; Meaume et al., Management of scars: updated practical guidelines and use of silicones (Eur J Dermatol, 2014); Monstrey et al., Updated scar management practical guidelines (J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2014); American Academy of Dermatology, Minimize a scar; Dr. Burns’ clinical protocol. This article is for education and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Fees vary by patient and plan; your personal quote is provided at consultation.