September 14, 2026 | Tummy Tuck
If you want to dramatically shape and slim your abdomen, a tummy tuck is an ideal solution. However, there’s no getting around the fact that this body contouring procedure requires an incision—and that means you’ll end up with a scar. Fortunately, the location of your scar and how your tummy tuck incision is closed can make a big difference in how noticeable it is.
Dr. Frank Agullo takes a scar-conscious approach to tummy tuck surgery, using an ultra-low incision and techniques designed to reduce tension on the incision closure. While everyone heals differently, Dr. Agullo’s goal is to leave you with a tummy tuck scar that is thin, flat, and easy to conceal once you’re fully healed.
Types of Tummy Tucks Offered by Dr. Agullo
The length of your tummy tuck scar depends largely on the type of tummy tuck needed to address your loose skin and abdominal laxity.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
A traditional, or full, tummy tuck addresses your entire abdomen. Dr. Agullo makes an incision across the pelvis from hip bone to hip bone, along with an incision used to reposition your belly button.
Dr. Agullo tightens your abdominal muscles using his triple plication technique, which tightens both the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles to create an internal corset effect for a more defined waist. Your abdominal skin is then redraped and the excess removed.
Dr. Agullo also creates an oval-shaped “designer belly button” with the scar hidden internally for a more natural-looking result.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive of Dr. Agullo’s three tummy tuck options, and it is used to address concerns limited primarily to your lower abdomen. It requires only one incision placed very low across your pelvis.
Because a mini tummy tuck does not require your belly button to be repositioned, there is no additional belly button scar. Dr. Agullo can also perform more aggressive muscle tightening with triple plication when appropriate.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck addresses more extensive skin laxity across your abdomen, flanks, lateral hips, and thighs. The incision used in this procedure extends around the lower midsection and may also provide a mild lifting effect to your buttocks.
Although the scar is longer than that of a traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Agullo strategically positions it so that it can typically be concealed beneath most bikini styles.
How Are Dr. Agullo’s Tummy Tuck Scars Different From Other Surgeons?
One of the distinguishing features of Dr. Agullo’s tummy tuck technique is his ultra-low tummy tuck scar. Instead of simply placing the incision somewhere along your lower abdomen, he positions it below the mons hairline whenever appropriate. This makes the resulting scar easier to hide beneath underwear and bikini bottoms.
How he closes your tummy tuck incision also matters when it comes to minimizing your scar. Dr. Agullo uses quilting sutures between the abdominal flap and abdominal muscles, which not only reduces the space where fluid can accumulate but also allows him to use progressive tension to pull the abdominal skin tighter while relieving tension along the incision. Less tension at the incision line can contribute to a thinner, flatter scar.
For full tummy tucks, Dr. Agullo also pays particular attention to the belly button. His “designer belly button” technique creates an oval-shaped umbilicus with a hidden internal scar rather than leaving an obvious external scar around your navel.
Tips for Reducing the Appearance of Your Scar After a Tummy Tuck
Even with careful incision placement and closure, your tummy tuck scar needs both time and proper care to mature.
Proper Incision Care
Caring for your incision is the first step in minimizing your tummy tuck scar. It is essential that you follow Dr. Agullo’s post-operative instructions closely and keep your incision clean and protected. He uses surgical taping during the first two weeks of your recovery to relieve tension along the scar while the tissues begin healing.
Following Dr. Agullo’s Return to Exercise Recommendations
Too much activity too soon can place unnecessary stress on your healing tummy tuck incision. While light walking and gentle movement are encouraged during your early tummy tuck recovery, Dr. Agullo advises his patients to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least six weeks. Following these restrictions gives your incision time to heal without unnecessary pulling or tension.
Keeping Your Scar Out of the Sun
UV exposure can cause a new scar to darken and remain more noticeable. Keep your tummy tuck incision covered and protected from direct sunlight while it heals. Once your incision has healed and Dr. Agullo approves it, use broad-spectrum sun protection whenever the area may be exposed.
Silicone Scar Treatments
Dr. Agullo recommends using BIOCORNEUM® silicone ointment after your tummy tuck incision has healed to help minimize your scar’s appearance. Silicone can help scars soften, flatten, and become less noticeable as they mature.
Non-surgical Scar Treatments
Some people naturally develop more noticeable scars than others. If you have a history of problematic scarring or your tummy tuck scar doesn’t fade as expected, Dr. Agullo offers additional non-surgical treatments that may improve its appearance. Options include laser scar treatments, IPL, and microneedling.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in El Paso
While your tummy tuck scar is permanent, it doesn’t have to be prominent. With body contouring expert Dr. Frank Agullo’s ultra-low incision placement, progressive tension closure techniques, attention to belly button scarring, and comprehensive scar care, you can enjoy a slimmer, more contoured silhouette with a scar that becomes increasingly discreet as your abdomen heals. To learn more about your tummy tuck options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Agullo today by calling (915) 590-7900 or completing the online contact form.
Dr. Agullo is online, where you can watch Dr. WorldWide perform different plastic surgery procedures! Follow Dr. Frank Agullo, aka “Dr. WorldWide,” on Snapchat under the username RealDrWorldWide.
#StayBeautiful
