Ten weeks ago I had a full Tummy Tuck, and 4 weeks after, I had a small correction of hematoma that didn't heal and the skin was peeled off. Around this correction, hyperpigmentation started, and now it looks really ugly. Is it normal to get hyperpigmentation in this area post-Tummy Tuck, and will it fade away in time? What can I do to make it disappear?
Answer: Take small steps first Hi- I understand your concern about your scar- but your interests and final outcome will be best served by exercising as much patience as you can muster... human scars mature over the first 12-18 months after they are created, meaning that for that time period, the scars will improve in appearance on their own (even if nothing were done). After this time period, you can be confident that no further improvement will occur, and intervention would be appropriate. I don't blame you if you don't want to wait that long to see some improvement, but because the scar will be undergoing this improvement over that time, anything you do will affect this normal maturation process- so be careful, and don't be too aggressive too early in the process. I usually recommend simple, easy, low risk scar treatments first- even if you don't get the complete improvement you wanted from them, the low risk nature of these options will mean it's unlikely you'll regret them later too- and you haven't burnt other bridges either. Examples of these kinds of simple things are Scarguard gel, Silicone tape, and Abdo-patches (from Medical Z). If these interventions don't give you the improvement you want, then you can consider IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments or other options like bleaching creams. Remember- the scar is likely to improve significantly on its own- the best thing to do is to try not to get in its way. Happy Holidays!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Take small steps first Hi- I understand your concern about your scar- but your interests and final outcome will be best served by exercising as much patience as you can muster... human scars mature over the first 12-18 months after they are created, meaning that for that time period, the scars will improve in appearance on their own (even if nothing were done). After this time period, you can be confident that no further improvement will occur, and intervention would be appropriate. I don't blame you if you don't want to wait that long to see some improvement, but because the scar will be undergoing this improvement over that time, anything you do will affect this normal maturation process- so be careful, and don't be too aggressive too early in the process. I usually recommend simple, easy, low risk scar treatments first- even if you don't get the complete improvement you wanted from them, the low risk nature of these options will mean it's unlikely you'll regret them later too- and you haven't burnt other bridges either. Examples of these kinds of simple things are Scarguard gel, Silicone tape, and Abdo-patches (from Medical Z). If these interventions don't give you the improvement you want, then you can consider IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments or other options like bleaching creams. Remember- the scar is likely to improve significantly on its own- the best thing to do is to try not to get in its way. Happy Holidays!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Scars need to mature Your scars are still pretty fresh and will be more prominent at this time. Take care of them and protect against sun exposure. With time, they'll fade, but you have to wait for about year for this to happen. Ask your surgeon what treatments you can do to help expedite the healing process.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Scars need to mature Your scars are still pretty fresh and will be more prominent at this time. Take care of them and protect against sun exposure. With time, they'll fade, but you have to wait for about year for this to happen. Ask your surgeon what treatments you can do to help expedite the healing process.
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July 15, 2014
Answer: Wound Discoloration Following Tummy Tuck Wound healing is a dynamic process that continues for 12-18 months following surgery. During this period, wounds undergo a series of changes which hopefully result in imperceptible scars. It’s not unusual for wounds to discolor during the initial phases of wound healing for a variety of reasons. In most cases a slight reddish discoloration is present which is related to increased blood flow. This is an entirely normal phenomena and is necessary for normal wound healing. Unfortunately, your case has been complicated by a hematoma. This problem will probably delay your wound healing response, but won’t stop it. At this point in time your wound needs time to heal. It’s important that you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. It’s also important to be patient and allow normal healing to take place.
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CONTACT NOW July 15, 2014
Answer: Wound Discoloration Following Tummy Tuck Wound healing is a dynamic process that continues for 12-18 months following surgery. During this period, wounds undergo a series of changes which hopefully result in imperceptible scars. It’s not unusual for wounds to discolor during the initial phases of wound healing for a variety of reasons. In most cases a slight reddish discoloration is present which is related to increased blood flow. This is an entirely normal phenomena and is necessary for normal wound healing. Unfortunately, your case has been complicated by a hematoma. This problem will probably delay your wound healing response, but won’t stop it. At this point in time your wound needs time to heal. It’s important that you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. It’s also important to be patient and allow normal healing to take place.
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December 19, 2014
Answer: Scarring after tummy tuck I'm sorry to hear about your problem. It normally takes about a year or even more for stars to mature. Once they have matured they tend to become faint silvery lines.
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Answer: Scarring after tummy tuck I'm sorry to hear about your problem. It normally takes about a year or even more for stars to mature. Once they have matured they tend to become faint silvery lines.
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June 15, 2016
Answer: Abdominoplasty Tummy Scars: What makes a good scar The look of an abdominoplasty scar is dependent on a number of factors, including genetics, skin complexion, timing of recovery, quality of postoperative care, and the type of repair. Abdominoplasty scars can hyperpigment in the immediate postoperative period. However, the long term results of a scar depend primarily on the quality of the repair. Skin and subcutaneous suturing in layers generally creates better scars than a single layered closure. This is specifically what plastic surgeons spend years training for. Make sure you go to a board certified plastic surgeon and that they take time to explain the type of repair and the postoperative care needed. If hyperpigmentation develops, topical creams and laser are used to fade the scar.
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Answer: Abdominoplasty Tummy Scars: What makes a good scar The look of an abdominoplasty scar is dependent on a number of factors, including genetics, skin complexion, timing of recovery, quality of postoperative care, and the type of repair. Abdominoplasty scars can hyperpigment in the immediate postoperative period. However, the long term results of a scar depend primarily on the quality of the repair. Skin and subcutaneous suturing in layers generally creates better scars than a single layered closure. This is specifically what plastic surgeons spend years training for. Make sure you go to a board certified plastic surgeon and that they take time to explain the type of repair and the postoperative care needed. If hyperpigmentation develops, topical creams and laser are used to fade the scar.
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January 11, 2009
Answer: Time is your friend Time is the most important thing at the 10 week stage of scar healing. You can also try silicone sheeting or topical products like ScarGuard and Mederma. Those can be used now. Scar revision is something that could be considered (this includes laser, steroid or additional surgery). You may be suprised at how well the scar settles with time though. Good luck and let us all know how things work out.
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Answer: Time is your friend Time is the most important thing at the 10 week stage of scar healing. You can also try silicone sheeting or topical products like ScarGuard and Mederma. Those can be used now. Scar revision is something that could be considered (this includes laser, steroid or additional surgery). You may be suprised at how well the scar settles with time though. Good luck and let us all know how things work out.
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