Question:
Can a bikini-line incision be used in a RNY surgery?

I have seen a bikini-line incision used in another type of WLS but have never seen that in the RNY. I just wondered if that was at all a possibility. The scar is almost invisible with this type of horizontal cut.    — Laurel C. (posted on April 5, 2002)

April 4, 2002
My Open RNY incision was anything but bikini. It is vertical for one thing, 3 1/2 inches long starting at my bra line. My C-section was bikini (not that I had or have any plans to ever wear a bikini lol).
   — Donna L.

April 4, 2002
Have a LAP. No scar and little chance of a hernia. My wifes lap scars are invible. Mine are just red marks that are fading. LAP is the way to go!
   — bob-haller

April 4, 2002
My husband's scar is from sternum to belly button.. about 10 inches... 45 staples to close it.. If scars are worrisome to you don't go with the open.. Personally my husband and I are just so happy to be on the road to health it wouldn't matter how big or how many scars we had..this is nothing personal but I often wonder why people are so obessed with scars from the surgery or from reconstructive surgery.... The fat is far worse than the scar...Why do people worry about the scar??? I doubt a scar on your tummy would make people rididule you, make it impossible to find clothes, keep you from going out and doing the things you want to, keep you from getting a good job and ruin your health! Besides we are losing weight to be healthy and live longer not to be super models.
   — Allie A.

April 5, 2002
Yes, this type of incision is possible. This is the type of incision I will be getting. There are probably just not many doctors that perform it this way. Dr. Capella does this type of incision. I will be getting a panniculectomy at the same time. It is costing me a extra $4000 for the bikini incision because it is part of the panniculectomy and is considered cosmetic surgery.
   — Michell C.

April 5, 2002
I've never heard of a bikini incision. Lap is always a good option for someone concerned about scarring. I personally had several reasons for not wanting to go Lap, and am pleased with my open RNY incision. It's very fine and only just a little over three inches. I did have heavy draining up until my fifth week, but in the short seven weeks since surgery it has already healed very nicely and begun to fade.
   — PaulaM