Question:
How do they decide if it will be an Anchor-Cut Incision or Low Bikini Line Inicision?

Hi, I've seen pictures of people's Tummy Tucks and I don't seem to get why there are so many different kinds of incisions? There's the anchor cut incision, then there's the really low, right above the bikini area one that's wide and hip bone to hip bone, and then I've also seen the one that's horizontal along the level of the belly button. Also, why do some people keep a belly button and some don't? Someone please explain the whole thing to me and why there are so many different types!! Thanks :)    — Iris B. (posted on March 6, 2003)

March 6, 2003
The location and severity of your excess skin will help determine where your incision needs to be. If it's all hanging below your belly button, then your surgeon may choose the bikini line incision (this is what I have). If you've got lots of loose skin/fat around your waist too, then the anchor may be the way to go. This does get you tighter around the middle, but for me, the extra incision wasn't worth it. I had lap RNY so didn't already have the vertical scar. My PS says there's no reason that anyone should have to go without their belly button. It's just "easier" for the surgeon to do it that way.
   — mom2jtx3

March 6, 2003
I had a panni in November - cut from hip to hip, ps removed about 10# of hanging stomach, which rested on my legs when I sat down. Only problem is I have no waist - wear my panty hose and underwear under my bra - don't know if I also had the anchor cut if I would have ended up with a waist. Happy with the results - even though I look a little strange
   — connie m

March 6, 2003
I think it all depends on the doctor. I had a TT with the bikini line incision from hip bone to hip bone. My PS said that he might do a small anchor because most of my skin was in my belly area, but he ended up just doing the hip to hip. He also told me that I would have a belly button no matter what, even if he had to make me a new one. My favorite thing he did was pull my so tight that now I have a waist! He actually made me a waist where there wasn't one before. It's beautiful!
   — Stephanie S.

March 6, 2003
My plastic surgeon's simple explanation was that "apple-shaped" patients get a much better result with the anchor incision; whereas "pear-shaped" patients generally have great results with the bikini incision. As an apple-shaped person, I could see the wisdom of his words, but I had also had a lap RNY and was reluctant to have the anchor incision. However, wisdom won out over vanity, and I am SO happy with the results. The anchor incision allowed him to pull in so much excess skin and fat from the sides in toward the middle, giving me the nicest waistline I have ever had and a really sleek look to my back and ribcage area....no more rolls above and below the bra line! He used no external sutures or staples, so now at 16 months post-op, I have only a thin faintly pink line running from breastbone to pubic area....and the hip-to-hip incision is already invisible. He offered me the "option" of having a belly-button or not, stating that it's simply a matter of convenience and slightly increased operating time for the surgeon. I chose to have one, and it's quite nice, but in retrospect I would have been just as happy without it....purely a matter of choice on the part of the patient. My advice is to see more than one plastic surgeon for consultation purposes. Compare techniques and costs and pick the surgeon that best meets your individual needs. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

March 6, 2003
The anchor cut is typically for people who carried their weight around the middle. If they have a LOT of fat and excess skin, they would do well from the anchor cut. The hip to hip incision is for people who carried there fat and excess skin all over. I had the hip to hip cut and I got the pictures from my PS yesterday and I swear 1 month prior to surgery I looked like I weighed 250 pounds again!! I was at 145 at the time the picture was taken. After surgery I look like my present weight of 128. My PS is wonderful!!
   — Patty H.