Tummy Tuck Scar Redness 4 Months Post Op Following Scar Cream, Is This Normal?

asked 4 months ago by aaa3 in Anaheim, CA
Latest answer by Boris M. Ackerman, MD
Question viewed 144 times
Tags: redness, 4 months post-op, cream, normal

I had a TT 4 mon ago I am olive skin so my scar was more on the brown side. I was using the silicone sheet everyday. When I saw my surgeon a month ago, he said there was some hyperpigmentation and I should use a bleaching cream 2x day which has hydroquinone 8%. Since I started using the cream my scar has turned more red and was irritated so I let my surgeon know and he said this is normal and to moisturize. Now I use the cream 1x day the skin is still red and is pealing is this normal?

6 answers to Tummy Tuck Scar Redness 4 Months Post Op Following Scar Cream, Is This Normal?

Red scar after tummy tuck

It is definatly frusterating to undergo surgery and then have to "deal" with a scar. Howevre, red and raised scars happen more often then we would like. Some people, especially those with pigmented skin, have some difficulty with scarring. It can take up to a year for the scar to get better. You should start seeing natural improvement after six months. The medication you are using can cause the scar to become very irritated as it sound like it is... more

Kari L. Colen, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Scar Management

There are at least two aspects to the appearance of the scar. One, is the contour of the scar, how raised it is, etc. and the other is the color of the scar. It seems that you have darkening of the scar, which is not uncommon in the skin with more pronounced pigment. It seems that you are sensitive to your bleaching cream. I typically advise my patients to start using a much weaker strength of hydroquinone, using it only a bit every other... more

Boris M. Ackerman, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Scar after TT

That seems like a high dose of hydroquinone and if it is irritating your skin, it probably is not helping your scar much. Pressure, such as the silicone pad, and time will help. Some patients take up to two years to settle a scar and olive skinned individuals sometimes take longer. Be patient.

Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Red scar 4 months after tummy tuck

I know it is frustrating but it can take 1-2 years for your scar to settle down. This is not typical but it does and can take quite awhile in some people. Best of Luck!

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Discontinue the hydroquinone cream

If you are getting irritation to your skin from the hydroquinone cream, I suggest that you discontinue using it. I would recommend just sticking to the silicone pads over the scars day and night for six to nine months following surgery.

James Tang, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Scar cream after tummy tuck

The medication you are using to bleach the scar, hydroquinone, is most often prescribed as a 4% cream. The 8% is the 'new' idea but then more is not always better. Remember the hydroquinone is a bleach, and even smells a bit like a swimming pool, and is very drying and irritation is common. The hydroquinone will treat the symptoms, though the scar will take time to mature and the hyperpigmentation to subside. The reddish orange bronzing is typical with hydroquinone, so you are quite... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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