Mommy Makeover Scars: Where They Go and How They Fade

A mommy makeover is not one operation. It is a combination, usually a tummy tuck, a breast procedure and liposuction, planned around the changes pregnancy and breastfeeding leave behind. Each of those procedures has its own incisions, so a mommy makeover leaves several scars rather than one. The good news is that nearly all of them are placed where clothing, underwear or a swimsuit covers them. This guide explains where each scar goes, how they heal and what you can do to help them fade.

Where the scars go, procedure by procedure

Tummy tuck

The tummy tuck scar is the longest scar in a mommy makeover. The scar is placed low, within the bikini line, usually running from one hip toward the other. Its length depends on how much loose skin needs to be removed. A full tummy tuck also leaves a small scar around the belly button, because the skin is tightened around it and the navel is brought through in its natural position. The guide to tummy tuck scars covers this scar in detail.

Breast lift

A breast lift removes stretched skin and raises the breast. The incisions depend on how much lifting is needed. A smaller lift may need only an incision around the areola. A larger lift adds a vertical line from the areola down to the crease, and sometimes a short horizontal line in the crease itself. The guide to breast lift scars explains each pattern.

Breast augmentation

If implants are part of the plan, the most common incision is a short one in the fold beneath the breast, where it is hidden by the breast itself. When a lift and implants are combined, the implant can often be placed through the lift incisions, so no extra scar is needed. See breast implant scars for more.

Liposuction

Liposuction is done through very small openings, just large enough for the cannula. Dr. Newman uses tumescent liposuction for precise, smooth contouring that complements the tummy tuck result. The marks are tiny and usually placed in natural creases or where the tummy tuck incision already is. The guide to liposuction scars covers where they go.

Why combining procedures does not mean worse scars

Each incision heals on its own, the same way it would if that procedure were done separately. Combining them means one anesthetic and one recovery period instead of several. What does affect how scars heal is tension on the incision, your skin type, sun exposure, smoking and how carefully you follow your aftercare, which is why the recovery instructions matter so much.

What the scars look like as they heal

The first weeks. The incisions are closed and covered. The lines are red or pink, and you will wear a compression garment and support bra. Early on you will walk slightly bent at the waist, as your surgeon instructs, to keep tension off the tummy tuck incision.
The following months. Scars often look their most noticeable during this stage. They may be pink, slightly raised and firm. This is normal healing, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Later. The scars flatten, soften and fade toward a pale line. They continue to improve for a year or more, so judge the result once healing is complete.

The mommy makeover recovery guide walks through the weeks after surgery in more detail.

How to help your scars fade

Protect them from the sun. Sun on a healing scar can darken it. Keep scars covered, and use sunscreen once your surgeon says the skin has healed.
Do not smoke. Nicotine reduces blood flow and is one of the biggest causes of poor wound healing. Stop well before surgery and stay off it during recovery.
Limit strain on the incisions. Follow your instructions on lifting, bending and exercise. Tension on a healing incision is a common reason scars widen.
Ask about silicone. Silicone gel or sheets are widely recommended once the incisions have closed. Check with your surgeon before starting.
Be patient. Scar maturation takes months. Early redness is not the final result.

When to call your surgeon

Contact your surgeon if an incision opens, drains, becomes increasingly red or warm, or if a scar becomes raised and thick or keeps growing. These problems are uncommon and are easier to manage when they are looked at early. If an older scar bothers you once it has fully matured, the guide to scar revision explains the options.

The short version

A mommy makeover leaves a scar for each procedure in the plan. The tummy tuck scar is the longest, and it sits low, within the bikini line. Breast scars depend on whether you have a lift, implants or both, and liposuction leaves only tiny marks. All of them are pink at first and fade over the following months. Sun protection, no smoking, gentle care and patience do the most to help them heal well. For an overview of the whole operation, read mommy makeover in Beverly Hills, and for when to plan it, mommy makeover timing.

Planning a mommy makeover?

A consultation looks at which procedures you need, explains where each incision would go and what your scars should look like as they heal.

Request a Consultation

It leaves a scar for each procedure in the plan. The tummy tuck scar is the longest and sits low, within the bikini line. Breast scars depend on whether you have a lift, implants or both. Liposuction leaves only a few very small marks. Most of these are placed where underwear or a swimsuit covers them.

Low across the lower abdomen, within the bikini line, usually from hip to hip. There is also a small scar around the belly button when the skin is tightened around it.

Scars are usually pink or red and slightly raised at first. They flatten, soften and fade over the following months, and keep improving for a year or more. Everyone heals at their own pace.

No. Each incision heals on its own, the same way it would if that procedure were done alone. Combining procedures means one recovery instead of several, not bigger scars.

Once your surgeon confirms the incisions have fully closed. Silicone products are among the most commonly recommended scar treatments, but ask before starting anything.

Often, yes. A scar that stays wide, raised or thick should be assessed once it has fully matured. Treatment or a scar revision may help.