How do I know when a scar is mature? (photos)

Question

Hi- I had a full abdominoplasty on Nov 9, 2013. I'm getting a tattoo in Sept that isn't meant to cover the scar, just distract from it, so it is going down the side of my rib cage and continuing on to my upper thigh. It would go right over part of the scar on my hip. It's thin, but if it's not mature enough, it won't hold ink very well and eventually look awful. Most of my scar is definitely NOT mature, as it is still purplish-red, but the side is whitish. Can only parts of a scar be mature?

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Dayna99322, I tell my patients that scars can take up to a full year or more to be "mature". Generally speaking if a scar is white you may consider the scar mature. Any color (red, purple, pink) in the scar suggests ongoing biological activity. In larger/longer scars you may have varying areas of activity and maturity. There are a variety of factors that cause this including tension, blood supply during initial healing, pressure from garments and clothing, etc. You most likely will have no issues with a tattoo over the white areas and if you are not sure....Ask your surgeon. Good luck. Dr. Gervais

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Redness or pink this in a scar is an indicator of ongoing biologic activity. When maturation is complete this color will totally disappear.

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

Generally we consider scars to be "mature" at one year, although tension across a scar, such as in the middle of an abdominoplasty scar, can slow complete maturation. When a scar becomes white it could be considered completely healed or mature.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

At one year your scar is almost mature after your tummy tuck.  However technically scar healing takes 2 years on average to be complete.  You may find that there is less pink after 1 year.  However I do not think having a tattoo will cause a problem.  However you should check with your plastic surgeon.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Scars mature differently in different individuals and different parts of the same scar often mature at different rates.   This is due to differences in people and differences in stresses a given scar has in different areas of the same wound repair.   I would wait a full year AT LEAST before getting a tattoo in a recent scar.  I think the end result will be more predictable and you will likely be happier.  My Best,  Dr C

How do I know when a scar is mature? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: 1 is tummy tuck scar mature and finished healing

Answer: 1 is tummy tuck scar mature and finished healing

Answer: One year to mature scar, sometimes longer

Answer: One year to mature scar, sometimes longer

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How do I know when a scar is mature? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: 1 is tummy tuck scar mature and finished healing

Answer: 1 is tummy tuck scar mature and finished healing

Answer: One year to mature scar, sometimes longer

Answer: One year to mature scar, sometimes longer

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.