Is scar revision an option for Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift? (Photo)

Question

I had a TT and BL 9 months ago. My scars started opening up and stitches started to come out. They took months to heal and now I'm left with ugly scars on my TT scar, under my breasts and belly button. My doctor has been injecting them for months but they look awful. I have tried silicon strips, scar guard,hydroquinone but scars are still bumpy and itch and burn. My PS refuses to do a revision because my skin "doesn't heal right" but I've had other surgeries in the past with no visible scars!

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

I am sure you are frustrated. When things don't work out, this is unfortunate. I believe you had an infection. You describe this as months to heal and the stitches coming out. Also other procedures didn't do this. This means we have a good chance of the revision "working well!"Scar revisions should be considered after about a year. Give it time. If the other treatments work, than you won't have to redo it all.If it comes to surgical revision, I usually tell my patients that the chances of improvement are 75-90 %. Not all revisions work. Many can have dramatic improvement. If it doesn't work, it rarely makes it worse. Just the recurrence of the hypertrophic scarring comes back.Also, since this happened to you, we can make changes because we have learned things. Different sutures can be used. Also injections are much more successful at preventing scars than getting rid of them. The steroid can be used at the time of the operation and monthly to decrease your recurrence chances.Good Luck! Dr Chris Saunders

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months following the procedure(s) as the #scars will be evolving. If my patients have concerns that something is unusual about their healing process, it is important for them to call the office and discuss these concerns or come in to be examined. Also some severe scars can be treated with re-excision, laser, kenalog/5-FU injections, creams, silicone strips and other methods to reduce and improve healing. Additionally, scar therapy with scar maturation products (e.g. BioCorneum or Embrace) are suggested for managing scars. However, we recommend you wait to use scar improving products until a few weeks following your surgery.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I do not think that topical scar creams will do a whole lot of good. I would think that you would do well with a scar revision but certainly would need to know more history as to how any previous surgery and scars have healed. You should wait until the skin has return to a soft condition before a revision.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

At nine months you have not fully healed. Having said that I ask my patients to wait one year after surgery then reassess. If we both agree that the scars can be approved I will go ahead and revise them.

Peter Kreymerman, MD, FACS · Answer

It's unfortunate you are having issues.   It appears you had significant healing issues but attempt at scar revision maybe worthwhile.  Also post revision incision care will be very important.

Is scar revision an option for Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Scar after surgery

Answer: Scar after surgery

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

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.

Is scar revision an option for Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Scar after surgery

Answer: Scar after surgery

Answer: Scar revision

Answer: Scar revision

Browse related questions

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.