I have hypertrophic scarring around belly button. What other options do I have to fix it? (Photo)

Question

I had my 6mo post op TT appointment. My belly button and around it were ten see to touch and ps said hypertrophic scarring the culprit. I have had umbilical hernia repair in 2012, belly button used for robotic surgery. This around the new belly sharp pains after 3 days of steroid shot. He bent 2 needles trying to give me shot. I know I produce thick scar tissue from previous surgeries. No follow up till next month to revise a side point. What should I do?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. I would recommend giving it another 6 months. If it recurs kenalog injections can help.All the best,Dr. JSB

Luis Tactuk Simó, MD · Answer

Hello, what i generally do is to inject corticoesteroids (triamcinolona) directly into the scar every 21 days, and most of the times it gets lighter and flatter. Best wishes

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

In general the corticoesteroids injections help a lot to improve the hypertrophic scarrings. They help to reduce the elevation of theskin and to reduce the different colouring of the scar.

H. Daniel Zegzula, MD · Answer

Hypertrophic scars are difficult to treat.  Sounds like you have a history of this type of scar and you are only 6 months after your tummy tuck.  Your scars will take a while to mature, likely more than a year.  You are doing what you can for now by seeing your plastic surgeon and having steroid injections.  Be patient, see your plastic surgeon next month and reevaluate.  Silicone gel sheeting can also help with hypertrophic scars and can be done concurrently.

I have hypertrophic scarring around belly button. What other options do I have to fix it? (Photo)

Answers (4)