Bad scar 6 months post op - what to do? (photos)

Thanks for your inquiry.  I would visit your surgeon to get steroids injected into your scar and start silicone sheeting.  Good Luck.

 There's really not much you can do for the scar. It still biologically active and should get better as time passes. Steroid injections can help the redness but may cause a scar to spread. The use of laser is controversial and I've not been convinced it makes any difference. I would also be worried it might do harm.

Thank you for your question.From your photos, it does look like you have some hypertrophic scarring.  This will likely improve with time and I would consider a steroid injection at this point to help shrink the scar.  There is an additional scar from what was likely where your belly button used to be.  If the scar is not ideal at the 1 to 1.5 year mark, you may benefit from a scar revision, where the scar is excised and the skin is resutured.  At that stage there will be less tension on the skin and this could result in a better scar.  Please discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

There are a number of things that can be done to try and improve the appearance of the scar. The easiest things to do are scar massage and silicone gel sheeting. Other treatments include steroid injections and laser therapy. Finally, if enough time has elapsed and the other treatments have not resulted in a satisfactory outcome you may consider having the scar excised. Often, this can lead to an improved scar because there is not as much tension on it the second time around. Discuss this with your surgeon. 

This scarring is hypertrophic.  A keloid may be similar, but usually implies growth beyond the limits of the original incision--for example, a marble size lump at the site of an ear piercing. The decision on how to treat this should be made by your surgeon.  First step before thoughts of scar revision should be some try at non-operative therapy.  Injections with kenalog, usually done three times spaced about two weeks apart often helps.All the best. 

You have a hypertrophic scar not a true keloid.Check with your doctor cortisone injections , time and other topical treatments may help eg massage,Mederma,silicone scar strips.If nothing helps scar revision could be tried at a later date

I agree with Drs. Gottlieb and Ching that your scar is somewhat hypertrophic but is not a true keloid.  At 6 months post op the scar is probably still remodeling and with time (approx 12 months) the scar may further improve and fade.  I would suggest that you wait at least 6 to 12 months before considering a scar revision.  In the meantime you can use topical scar treatments such as hydrocortizone cream, silicone scar sheeting, and moisturizing cream with sunblock.  Also, ask your surgeon if they would consider injecting the scar with a  long acting coticosteroid.  But give the scar time to mature before undergoing another surgery.  Best wishes.