Why is my Tummy Tuck Scar So Red?

So it has been six weeks since my mommy makover. My tummy tucks scar is so red and I was wondering if this will improve? I am most concerned about the vertical incision as it is more visible.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by bridg0809 in Philadelphia, PA

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Scar Healing after Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

Thanks for posting the picture - it makes answering the question much more informative for other patients and allows us to give you more specific advice. As stated by others, scars go through a natural progression. I always tell patients to expect the scar to change over the first six week - at six to eight weeks, the scar may be the reddest and thickest. Then, over the next six to 8 weeks the scar will mature and become softer, thinner and less red. So, you are right... more

Red Scar

Scars naturally go through a period of maturation as different types of collagen (a Protein) is deposited in the scar. In addition, new blood vessels are growing into the scar often giving it a reddish color. The scar following a tummy tuck typically looks its worst at about 6 weeks following surgery, then starts to fade. The best methods of promoting good healing of the wound are to avoid exposing the scar to the sun, begin a massage program of the scar (I recommend using cocoa butter), and... more

Why are the tummy tuck scars red?

Scars will actually get redder and firmer for the first 6-8 weeks. They will slowly improve over the following 12 months. This can be helped by sun avoidance and silicone sheeting if you are so inclined.

Changes in scars after a tummy tuck

Looking at your photo, your scar looks as it should 6 weeks after surgery. You appear to be healing well. Scars go through many stages during the healing process. Full scar maturation takes 6-12 months, so there is a long way to go! At around 6 weeks, all scars are at their reddest. After that time, the scar color starts to slowly fade. Things you can do to help improve the final appearance of your scar include protecting it from the sun, performing scar... more

Scar maturation after tummy tuck

Don't worry. you are only six weeks after surgery. And based on your photo, it looks like you are healing well. Talk to your plastic surgeon about scar massage therapy. Use sun block and sun screen. Remember, it takes months for scars to mature and fade (6-12 months). Hope this helps.

Scar from tummy tuck is as expected and not concerning

Full scar maturation such as from a tummy tuck can require up to a year. At around 8 - 12 weeks the redness will start subsiding. The scar that you have (as seen in your helpful photo) is as expected and is not abnormal. If you are not already doing so, you may want to inquire of your plastic surgeon about using a scar treating agent like silicone gel or even sheeting as these can help you obtain the best possible scar, everything else being equal.

Red tummy tuck scar

All scars go through maturation and remodeling process over a course of one year. Normally immature scars are red (hyperpigmented). During the maturation period, you want to protect the scar, ie. avoid sun. Being exposed to sun will make the scar more red. When you wear a bathing suit (even if the scar is under the bathing suit), make sure that you apply sun screen.