How can I treat these scars after tummy tuck? (Photo)

I can completely understand why you’d want to improve the look of your scars after going through a tummy tuck—it’s such a big procedure, and seeing marks you weren’t expecting can feel discouraging. The good news is that there are several safe ways to make scars softer, lighter, and less noticeable over time.

Some of the most effective options include:
Laser treatments to reduce redness and smooth the texture.
Microneedling (sometimes with radiofrequency) to help the skin remodel itself and blend the scar.
Steroid injections if a scar is raised or thickened.
Silicone gels or sheets you can use at home to gradually fade and soften scars.
In certain cases, surgical scar revision can be considered if a scar is in an awkward spot or heals unevenly.

As for the small scar on your pubic area—it may not necessarily be an accident. Sometimes during a tummy tuck, the incision is extended or adjusted to help tighten the skin and create the best contour, and that can leave a little mark lower down. It could also be related to healing or sutures.

The encouraging part is that scars almost always improve, and with the right treatments, they can become far less noticeable.

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treatments with CO2 resurfacing lasers in the area of concern to help break down the scar tissue and smooth out the texture of the skin. CO2 lasers work by delivering high-energy light pulses to the skin, which helps to remodel the scar tissue. This process can soften and flatten raised scars (hypertrophic scars) or keloids, reducing their visibility. The heat from CO2 lasers penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production. This can help to improve the texture and elasticity of the scarred area over time, making it blend more naturally with surrounding skin. I love using CO2 lasers for treatment of scars and highly encourage you to try it! I hope this helps and best of luck!

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

It's difficult to determine the best solution for you without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Generally speaking, scars can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling with PRP. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case.
Options can include:
1. Vascular lasers (BBL, Yellow laser, V-Beam, Excel V)
2. Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo)
3. Microneedling/PRP
4. Silicone-based scar gels with growth factors
5. Excision/revision surgery
See an expert to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer​