Treating scar hyperpigmentation after Tummy Tuck

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... more

It appears that you had some pre-existing scarring from earlier surgery so your case is a bit complicated. There are some laser treatments and a similar one called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) which can help scars to fade if it is started early.

Is the scar you have (inverted-T) all the result of surgery? It looks as if you might have hyperemia or redness of the scars due to hypervascularity rather than hyperpigmentation due to melanocyes and melanin. One easy test is to press on the scar with your two index fingers and then move them along the scar... more

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... more

Ariela, Pigmentation in scars after tummy tuck is very common.  It usually continues to fade with time, even as far out as years after surgery.  There are bleaching creams that may help to speed up the process.  Also, don't forget to avoid sun exposure to your scars, as this will tend to make... more

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... more

I am not  certain from  your photo if you already had a vertical scar, or if you had some skin necrosis that left an abnormal scar.  Either way, your scar will improve with time.  You can speed up the process with two modalities. The first would be a product called Scar Guard.  It is... more

While your result looks like you have a bit of a nasty scar right now, if we could project you one to two years down the road, you would see a dramatic improvement in the scar and hyperpigmentation. Scar massage, possible IPL treatments may speed the resolution a bit also.

Recently we have begun using a variety of lasers for scars in our practice and I have been amazed at the results.  Fractional Co2 and fractioanl erbium can improve the texture, while the pulsed dye Yag laser seems to dramatically improve the hyperpigmentation in many patients.

Any amount of subcutaneous blood such as a hematoma can cause pigmentation or hyperpigmentation, espceially in a person with a darker skin. this will usually fade over 9 month. it is critical to avoid sun bathing or tanning during this period in order to avoid permanenet hyperpigmentation. keeping the skin... more