Lower body lift scar revision - how long after surgery? (photos)

Question

3 weeks into my recovery (10/31/16 - surgery) my back incision opened, and since then the scar in that area has widened. I'm happy with my result and I'm using embrace active scar defense, but I just can't see it ever being the same. What is the earliest I can consider a revision (about 2.5-inch segment)? If I have to wait a year I'm considering not studying in the fall. The thought of walking into an orgo lecture and worrying about it opening again is too much (so 6-9 months would be ideal).

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend that you wait atleast 6-9 months prior to undergoing a scar revision. Overall your scar looks decent and should be easily revised

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding when you can undergo a lower body lift scar revision. Thanks for including your history and your pictures. Based on your pictures, your scar revision can be performed 6-8 months after your body lift procedure. It appears that most of your scar has flattened, and the scar is mature enough to be resected. Often low-body lift scar revisions can be done in the office. There are many ways to influence and remodel a scar. Lower body lift scars can improve by applying cream or silicone ointment. Silicone strips also help. Other ways to influence your lower body lift scar include micro-needling, steroids, and Fraxel laser injection. If these modalities do not significantly improve the scar to your satisfaction, a surgical scar revision can be completed. Usually, these can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. Please consult with your plastic surgeon. However, I suggest your scar be revised 6-8 months after your procedure. Thank you for your question regarding when you can undergo a lower body lift scar revision. 
I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I suggest you wait at least six months before considering a scar revision. Best of luck with your continued recovery.

Rachel Streu, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the most common issues after body contouring procedures is to have some limited areas of delayed or poor wound healing. This can translate to less than ideal scars that require revision in the future. To allow for these scars to be revised, the scar itself should be soft and nearby tissue must be as fully cleared of inflammation and swelling as possible. This is typically why surgeons counsel you to wait for up to 1 year after your procedure. Localized scar revisions can typically be accomplished as local, in-office procedures that are not difficult to recover from. In my opinion, it is reasonable to wait 9-12 months, have a scar revision, and register and attend college classes without any significantly increased risk of incisional separation.Best of luck to you in achieving your goals!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Wait at least 6 months, a full year may be better, before any scar revisions in these types of cases.

Lower body lift scar revision - how long after surgery? (photos)

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