Almost every procedure in Plastic Surgery involves trading a scar for the ultimate result. For most patients, if the scar can be minimized and placed in an inconspicuous location, the trade-off is very worthwhile. Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck scars are placed as low as possible above the pelvic brim, where... more
Will laser treatment help minimize tummy tuck scar?
I'm thinking of having a Tummy Tuck but am worried about the possible scar from the procedure. Can laser treatments be used to minimize the scar? If so, should it be ideally done at time of procedure or after recovery?
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9 answers to “Will laser treatment help minimize...”A: Permanent scars are inherent to a tummy tuck procedure
As plastic surgeons, it is our intent and goal to minimize all scars. In the tummy tuck procedure, there are necessary incisions that ultimately will form permanent scars. You should know the location of the scars prior to the surgery, and accept that poor wound healing may occur. The quality of postoperative... more
A: Usually not necessary
When the incision is done well and the skin is closed without tension at the edge, the scar usually fades very well. One way to avoid this kind of tension is called progressive tension suturing. If the scar starts to thicken and turn red, there is a type of laser that can help, or a similar technology called... more
A: Laser can help improve a scar, but will not make it disappear.
The scar from a Tummy Tuck procedure is a permanent scar. Many Plastic Surgeons use all dissolving sutures and special techniques to reduce the scarring and improve the final results. Some patients heal with a wide or discolored scar, even with good surgical techniques. The scars need to mature to improve... more
A: Scars are permanent, but usually heal quite well
Anytime an incision is made on the skin, it creates a scar. Most cosmetic surgery incisions, if performed properly, will heal quite nicely, and there are several things that can be done to help minimize the chance at a bad scar. It's important to understand however that there is no guarantee that you will... more
A: Yes!
I typically allow the incision to undergo healing, with the use of scar prevention aids initially. If the scar has redness 4 to 6 months after surgery, laser can be an excellent aid. I currently prefer the use of intense pulse light treatment for this issue. Ultimately, it is most important to make sure you... more
A: A tummy tuck is a trade-off of shape for scar
Just as are breast reductions and lifts, a tummy tuck is a trade-off of significantly improved shape for the scar needed to get the benefit. I have never yet over thousands of tummy tucks had a patient say that they would rather trade the scar away and go back to where they were before the tummy tuck. The... more
A: Yes, but you will probably not need the laser treatment
Hello, The best friend of a tummy tuck scar is time as long as the patient is healthy, doesn't smoke and follows direction. They tend to clean up rather well after six months to a year in my practice. I have not needed to do much scar revision work at least in my own tummy tuck clients.
A: I've never heard "I shouldn't have done this because of the scar"
Scars are an unfortunate, but necessary trade off in cosmetic surgery. There are ways to help minimize the effects of scarring, which your board certified plastic surgeon may recommend during the healing process. Laser may be one of the modalities that is used by your surgeon, but is by no means... more
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