Question:
Open RNY & Tummy Tucks

Hello all - Can anyone tell me can a tummy tuck take care of open RNY incision scar?    — Michaele S. (posted on May 7, 2002)

May 7, 2002
It truly depends on how big you were. My cousin went from 550 lbs. down to 168 lbs. before he had any reconstructive surgery. He had so much skin removed they had to give him a new belly button and no longer has a scar from RNY. On a funny note I plan when the time comes to not have a belly button put in and am contemplating having my nipples permanently removed. But we'll see about hat in a year or so.
   — Glenn M.

May 7, 2002
Like the previous poster said; it varies. I started at 361 and I'm appx. 25 lbs away from goal. I've consulted with a few surgeons, and the kind of TT that is recommended for me is a hip to hip bikini line incision. The skin will be pulled down. So, my midline (RNY) scar will be lower on my abdomen. NOW, there are varying kinds of TT. For instance, there's this site: http://freewill.tzo.com/jamie~/ that I visit from time to time (because she's had RNY, reconstructive surgery and is pregnant). She had the kind of TT that consisted of the hip to hip incision and a "new" midline scar. Obviously, you'll need to see what your plastic surgeon does and suggests. Either way, good luck!
   — Kristin R.

May 7, 2002
Hi, I had my open rny 2 years ago & my TT one month ago. My rny scar actually got bigger with my TT. The reason is that the Dr pulled the skin that WAS several inches above my navel (& therefore had the scar) down to almost the pubic level. So, while my rny scar used to go from a few inches below my breasts to just below my navel, it now goes from the same spot all the way to my groin. However, on the positive side, it is now straight & smooth. Before, it kind of went crooked around my navel, now it's a straight line that continues through my navel & on down. Also, before the TT the scar & surrounding skin were drapey, uneven & pulled funny. Now the skin is tight & smooth. My TT scar runs, as was mentioned before, from hip to hip & along the pubic line. It is completely covered by skimpy bikini undies. My rny scar which had been white & fairly faint is now pink again--probably due to all the swelling from the TT, but it looks like it will go back to that faint, light color. It's not THAT noticable anymore.
   — Kathy W.