I'm thinking of having a Tummy Tuck but am worried about the possible scar from the procedure. How can I minimize tummy tuck scars? Would laser treatments help? If so, should it be ideally done at time of procedure or after recovery?
Answer: How To Minimize Tummy Tuck Scar-Laser Can Help
Thank you for your question. Your concerns are the most common question I am asked about the Tummy Tuck. All patients are concerned about the scar.
The most important factor in minimizing the Tummy Tuck Scar is the surgical technique used by your surgeon. Trying to take too much skin to create a very tight Tummy is probably the most common cause of a red raised or widened scar. Discuss this with your surgeon.
Most often the Tummy Tuck Scar can be hidden below the Bikini Line or Underwear Line. However if most of the loose skin is higher, around the Umbilicus, a higher scar is required.
Laser Treatments using the Non Ablative Fractional 1540 Erbium Laser can be very helpful in reducing the size, color and appearance of the scar. Inquire if your surgeon has this modality available-it can make a significant difference. See link below.
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Thank you for your question. Your concerns are the most common question I am asked about the Tummy Tuck. All patients are concerned about the scar.
The most important factor in minimizing the Tummy Tuck Scar is the surgical technique used by your surgeon. Trying to take too much skin to create a very tight Tummy is probably the most common cause of a red raised or widened scar. Discuss this with your surgeon.
Most often the Tummy Tuck Scar can be hidden below the Bikini Line or Underwear Line. However if most of the loose skin is higher, around the Umbilicus, a higher scar is required.
Laser Treatments using the Non Ablative Fractional 1540 Erbium Laser can be very helpful in reducing the size, color and appearance of the scar. Inquire if your surgeon has this modality available-it can make a significant difference. See link below.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Minimizing Tummy Tuck Scars: Treatment Options Dear Erppie, Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about minimizing tummy tuck scars. It's natural to be apprehensive about scarring, but there are several treatment options available to help minimize the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck procedure. Scar Care Products: Using scar care products, such as silicone-based gels or sheets, can help flatten and soften scars over time. These products are often recommended by plastic surgeons to be applied once the incisions have fully healed. Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can be an effective option for reducing the appearance of scars after tummy tuck surgery. Laser treatments work by targeting the scar tissue and stimulating collagen production, which can help improve the texture and color of the scar. Laser treatments can be performed after the initial healing period, typically several weeks to months after surgery. Microneedling: Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving the appearance of scars. Like laser treatments, microneedling can be performed after the initial healing phase. Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be recommended by your plastic surgeon to help reduce inflammation and flatten raised scars. Surgical Scar Revision: In cases where scars are particularly noticeable or problematic, surgical scar revision may be considered. This involves removing the old scar tissue and repositioning the incision to create a more favorable outcome. When considering laser treatments or other scar-reducing procedures, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Your surgeon will advise you on the optimal timing for these treatments based on your healing progress and overall surgical outcome. Ultimately, with proper scar care and the use of advanced treatment modalities, you can take proactive steps to minimize the appearance of tummy tuck scars and achieve smoother, more aesthetically pleasing results. Best wishes for your tummy tuck journey and your quest for minimal scarring. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen Plastic Surgeon
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Minimizing Tummy Tuck Scars: Treatment Options Dear Erppie, Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about minimizing tummy tuck scars. It's natural to be apprehensive about scarring, but there are several treatment options available to help minimize the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck procedure. Scar Care Products: Using scar care products, such as silicone-based gels or sheets, can help flatten and soften scars over time. These products are often recommended by plastic surgeons to be applied once the incisions have fully healed. Laser Treatments: Laser therapy can be an effective option for reducing the appearance of scars after tummy tuck surgery. Laser treatments work by targeting the scar tissue and stimulating collagen production, which can help improve the texture and color of the scar. Laser treatments can be performed after the initial healing period, typically several weeks to months after surgery. Microneedling: Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving the appearance of scars. Like laser treatments, microneedling can be performed after the initial healing phase. Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be recommended by your plastic surgeon to help reduce inflammation and flatten raised scars. Surgical Scar Revision: In cases where scars are particularly noticeable or problematic, surgical scar revision may be considered. This involves removing the old scar tissue and repositioning the incision to create a more favorable outcome. When considering laser treatments or other scar-reducing procedures, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Your surgeon will advise you on the optimal timing for these treatments based on your healing progress and overall surgical outcome. Ultimately, with proper scar care and the use of advanced treatment modalities, you can take proactive steps to minimize the appearance of tummy tuck scars and achieve smoother, more aesthetically pleasing results. Best wishes for your tummy tuck journey and your quest for minimal scarring. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen Plastic Surgeon
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November 25, 2023
Answer: Treatment to Help Minimize Tummy Tuck Scar? To minimize tummy tuck scars, consider massaging the scar with Vitamin E oil or silicone-based creams. Ensure proper wound care, avoid sun exposure, and consult your surgeon for specific recommendations tailored to your healing process.
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CONTACT NOW November 25, 2023
Answer: Treatment to Help Minimize Tummy Tuck Scar? To minimize tummy tuck scars, consider massaging the scar with Vitamin E oil or silicone-based creams. Ensure proper wound care, avoid sun exposure, and consult your surgeon for specific recommendations tailored to your healing process.
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FIND THE RIGHT
TREATMENT FOR YOU
May 1, 2023
Answer: Depending on the scar, resurfx can be done to minimize appearance combined with melarase creams 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
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CONTACT NOW May 1, 2023
Answer: Depending on the scar, resurfx can be done to minimize appearance combined with melarase creams 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
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February 18, 2017
Answer: Minimizing scar after tummy tuck Thank you for your question. A properly placed tummy tuck incision will result in a scar that is quite low, and will hide beneath most underwear or bikini bottoms. Methods of reducing prominence of the scar include meticulous closure by the surgeon at the time of operation, scar massage, topical treatment with a silicone gel or scar sheets, and protection from the sun. In some instances, where the scar is darkly pigmented or remains prominent beyond 6 months post-op, resurfacing with a laser such as Fraxel can improve the appearance.
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CONTACT NOW February 18, 2017
Answer: Minimizing scar after tummy tuck Thank you for your question. A properly placed tummy tuck incision will result in a scar that is quite low, and will hide beneath most underwear or bikini bottoms. Methods of reducing prominence of the scar include meticulous closure by the surgeon at the time of operation, scar massage, topical treatment with a silicone gel or scar sheets, and protection from the sun. In some instances, where the scar is darkly pigmented or remains prominent beyond 6 months post-op, resurfacing with a laser such as Fraxel can improve the appearance.
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March 23, 2024
Answer: Scar Managementr Your scar can be lowered so it is hidden beneath your panty- line and also at the junction of your pubic hair bearing area. Regarding the potential for a red raised scar please note the following advice that I recommend to my patient in these circumstances:Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the tell tale signs of surgery – namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible from your surgery. Patients with scars that are enlarged or not healing well after surgery can be from many causes. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.Scar Management tips:1- Minimize tension on the scar – Steri Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar. This minimizes the stress that can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”.2– Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. NEVER apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection contact your surgeon’s office immediately and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.3. –Protect your scars from the sun - staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.4. – Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen,etc). At the present time I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products and if the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.5. – Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected. Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments to treat or prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.#tummytuck#TT#scarmanagement
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CONTACT NOW March 23, 2024
Answer: Scar Managementr Your scar can be lowered so it is hidden beneath your panty- line and also at the junction of your pubic hair bearing area. Regarding the potential for a red raised scar please note the following advice that I recommend to my patient in these circumstances:Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the tell tale signs of surgery – namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible from your surgery. Patients with scars that are enlarged or not healing well after surgery can be from many causes. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.Scar Management tips:1- Minimize tension on the scar – Steri Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar. This minimizes the stress that can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”.2– Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. NEVER apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection contact your surgeon’s office immediately and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.3. –Protect your scars from the sun - staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.4. – Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen,etc). At the present time I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products and if the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.5. – Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected. Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments to treat or prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.#tummytuck#TT#scarmanagement
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