How long should you wait after full tummy tuck for scar revision? (Photo)

Question

How long should you wait after full yummy tuck to have scar revision (scar lowered, additional skin removed, belly button revised tone larger)?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Scar needs to mature for approximally 1-1.5 years in your age group. It would be wise to wait at least 1 year before considering scar revision. This issue is best discussed with your surgeon. Good luck.

Dean Fardo, MD · Answer

You appear to be healing well, but wait at least 6-12 months before even considering a  revision and I would start by discussing with your surgeon who did your original surgery.  Scars get better for years after a tummy tuck.  Good luck.

Olga Bachilo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. I generally ask patients to wait for a minimum of 6 month before doing any revision. Scars continue to change sometimes for up to 2 years. Sometimes, if you give it enough time, revision can be avoided. You also want to completely heal from your first surgery so that there is no more swelling and inflammation. Small revisions can sometimes be done in the office, which would avoid unnecessary general anesthesia. Good luck.Sincerely,Olga Bachilo, MD

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures, you appear to have a very nice result.  Scars generally start off red in color and gradually fade over time.  It usually takes about a year to a year and a half for a scar to fully fade and mature.  There are various scar treatments that might hasten the maturation of your scar, however, it appears that it should heal as a very thin line (which is ideal).  If I were going to plan on any revisions with you, I would plan to do them at a minimum of six months and preferably one year.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

You probably need to wait until your scar is at least about a year old, since you have what appears to be a pretty tight tummy tuck. It is possible that lowering your scar may not be practical or possible without incurring some risk of wound breakdown or lifting/changing the shape of the mons pubis. It is easier to make a small belly button larger than the other way around, so that is likely not going to be too difficult.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually recommend waiting about 6 months to allow the tissue to settle and the swelling to go down.  This is a general recommendation and there are cases where I will do it sooner or wait longer.  Since you are having a fair amount done, I would wait close to 6 months.  It is good you are specific about your concerns which will help focus your treatment.  Good luck!

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It is VERY difficult(impossible?) to meaningfully lower the scar unless there has been excess loose skin left above the scar otherwise the looser , more mobile skin below the scar simply is pulled up to the same scar location. For any revision involving any scar I typically advise waiting at least one year.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

your scar looks pretty good. Also your abdomen looks quite tight so that i don't think at this time, they can lower the scar at all. Your scar will continue to fade and look better and better. Be patient and don't be in a rush.david berman md

How long should you wait after full tummy tuck for scar revision? (Photo)

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