How can I treat discoloration around my tummy tuck scar?

i had a tummy tuck 3 years ago, now i have a scar and reddish to purple skin all around the scar. How can I treat the discoloration around the scar? I can see the thin line that my surgeon told me I would have, it is very small and almost invisible, the problem is the red purple skin across the scar. 

Would a laser treatment work best?  I used contractubex, and it helped a bit but the purple is still there so I'd like to go with laser or whatever treatment is needed to remove the scar/purple skin?

4 answers to “How can I treat discoloration around...”

A: Discoloraton can be treated with laser

Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Basically we can treat brown discoloration with topical agents such as Obagi, but if they persist, laser would work. IF the color is red or blue from blood vessels, a different laser is used. An experienced laser physician will know what to do

A: Purple Scar

John Philip Connors III, MD

Most likely source of "purple" discoloration is low flow blood vessel formation due to inflammatory changes. These do respond very well to laser (pulse dye 585nm) lasers or vascular lasers. Dark pigment is typically post-inflammatory dischromia from melanocytes and responds to either... more

A: Abdominoplasty Scars may Develop Hyperpigmentation

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Depending on your skin type, you may have developed hyperpigmentation of the skin. In this condition,  the healing skin may have deposited excessive amounts of melanin.  The first course of treatment is typically conservative with observation and time.  In cases where the pigmentation lasts... more

A: Laser treatment recommended if purple color is caused by tiny blood vessels

Usha Rajagopal, MD

Laser treatment is the best option if the purple coloration is caused by tiny blood vessels. If you look closely, you should be able to tell yourself, otherwise consult with your physician. A laser that is used for scars or a laser used to take the red out would work to eliminate the purple... more

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