Tummy tucks have long been among the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, but despite its popularity (and RealSelf Worth It rating of 96%), the procedure does come with some drawbacks—most notably, a significant scar.
“A tummy tuck is a correction of the abdominal muscle laxity, excess skin, and excess fat after weight loss or pregnancy,” explains Dr. Siamak Agha, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California. “Typically, in my practice, over half of the abdominal skin—measured from rib cage to groin crease—and underlying fat is removed via a tummy tuck incision. A lot of skin is taken out, and this requires a long incision.”
Typically, the scar left behind is so low across the stomach that it can be easily hidden under a bathing suit, but it can extend across the length of the abdomen. After a few weeks, you can begin fading the scar with at-home treatments; down the line, you can take more aggressive, in-office measures. These are five of the most popular ways to get rid of tummy tuck scars.
How to fade tummy tuck scars
Tummy tuck scars are quite noticeable for up to a year following surgery. “In Caucasians, the scars will become pink and then turn into a white line. In dark skin, they can either become pigmented or lighten up. Usually, they become darker first and then lighter over time,” says Dr. Agha. It’s important to note that a tummy tuck scar will never go away completely, though there are some treatments that can help further minimize their appearance.
Silicone tape
Silicone tape can be placed directly over your tummy tuck scar, to help flatten it. It essentially creates a protective layer over the scar to keep it ultra-hydrated, to curb potential infection or excess inflammation and to prevent hypertrophic scars (keloids). Silicone tape—which comes in both tape and patch form—adheres to the skin and is meant to be applied approximately one to three weeks after stitches are removed and any scabbing or oozing has subsided. This approach has been widely recommended by surgeons for the past three decades and can be combined with other tummy tuck scar fading treatments.
Tummy tuck scar therapy creams
Scar therapy cream is one of the least aggressive options for fading tummy tuck scars. These topical creams or gels are applied directly to the scar after the scab has healed and subsided.
“Scar therapy creams and gels are products that have a nitrogen-rich molecule that softens keratin to help fade scars. Silicone options also work well because they have antioxidants,” says Dr. T. Y. Steven Ip, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California. “After a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend keeping the incision taped for three to four weeks, then switching to silicone tape, silicone gels, or scar gels for three months.” He recommends Biocorneum, Kelo-cote, and Mederma.
CO2 lasers
After a year has passed, you’ll have a better idea of what your tummy tuck scar will look like in the years ahead. Scar creams and silicone tapes will have ideally left you with a faded and light scar, but if you’re interested in fading the scar even further, then CO2 lasers are a good option.
“Fractionated CO2 can lighten up the scar and make it less prominent,” says Dr. Agha says, adding that two to three treatments may be needed. A consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can give you a better idea of what to expect, depending on your tummy tuck scar.
Microneedling + Platelet-rich pPlasma (PRP)
Microneedling can serve as an additional way to fade and lighten tummy tuck scars in cases where keloids haven’t presented. This process involves creating microdamages to the skin via tiny needles, which stimulates collagen and elastin production for more even tone and texture. Combining microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment—in which plasma is extracted from your own blood and placed back into the skin—can enhance your results. Note that professional microneedling, which uses longer needles than you’d find in an at-home roller tool, is necessary to adequately treat scars.
Tattoos
Tattooing over tummy tuck scars is a more creative approach to concealing the surgical incision line. The idea is to completely cover the scar with artwork, which doesn’t technically remove or fade the scar but instead draws attention away from it. Some people opt for artistic floral or nature-inspired designs, ornate line work, or even abstract art that stretches along the entirety of the tummy tuck scar. If you go this route, it’s important for the incision to be completely healed. Ideally, you should wait at least a year after your surgery.
Tummy tuck scar considerations
Dr. Agha stresses that even with the above treatments, tummy tuck patients will always have an incision and scar. For that reason, minimizing tummy tuck scars starts with excellent surgery.
Working with a highly skilled surgeon who specializes in abdominoplasty is integral in coming away from a procedure with minimal original scarring. Subpar work can result in a tummy tuck scar that’s too high, asymmetrical, and/or larger than necessary. Conversely, excellent work will produce a less noticeable tummy tuck scar that is even, small, and low enough to be hidden by clothing, underwear, and bathing suits.
Some surgeons are skilled in the navel incision tummy tuck, a technical and innovative method that hides the scar within the navel opening itself. Before deciding on a surgeon, it’s important to ask detailed questions about the technique that will be used as well as look at a number of before-and-afters that show patients’ scars.
