What is the best scar cream/treatment for tummy tuck scar from 3 years ago?

Question

It’s been 3 years since I’ve had my tummy tuck and the scar is very dark and thick. I’ve tried some products but no luck. If you know of anything that could lighten it and shrinken it I would appreciate it

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your inquiry. What I usually suggest my patients after a tummy tuck or any other surgery like breast lift for scarring is KITOCELL GEL its a gel that is applied twice a day just on the scar line. Helps minimize the scar and lighten it. Best of luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Report
Thank you for your question. I instruct all of my patients to perform daily scar massage and apply a silicone based scar ointment or tape to their incisions. I recommend Biocorneum. Please ask your board certified plastic surgeon for specific instructions regarding his or her scar management protocol. Hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Unfortunately without an in-person examination, or full series of photographs, it is difficult to offer definite advice.  For most patients after 3 years their scar is mature and will not undergo any significant improvement - a case for a surgical scar revision.  Depending on your desired goals you may be able to pursue topical treatments or micro needling to improve your results.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your specific case.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear thatchick9,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination or at least a photo. Generally speaking, laser treatment can improve dark scars. If you are considering a treatment, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As your scar is three years old you may be a candidate for scar revision.  This approach will surgically remove the existing scar with the intention that a new scar will heal more favorably.  Other options you have are potentially steroid injections to address the thickness and lasers to address the pigmentation.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most scars are treated with silicone strips/scar creams in the 6 months following surgery. At three years post-op, treatment is going to be a little different. It is possible to have steroid injections performed along the scar to flatten the area out, and then laser performed to treat pigmentation. Everyone heals differently so there is no guaranteeing complete satisfaction but you should get results with the two treatments combined.I would recommend visiting the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performed your surgery to ask their opinion. Good luck and best wishes!

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question.  Sorry to hear that your scar is bothering you.  There are multiple treatments that can improve old/thick scars, though most scar optimization strategies work best within 6 months of the surgery. The scars can be injected with steroid or 5-FU and IPL/laser treatments to soften/lighten the scars.  If the scar is overly widened, the only really effective treatment is to completely excise the scar and carefully suture it back together and follow with an active silicone scar therapy like Embrace.  I would encourage you to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I always recommend my ScaRx tape to be worn after surgery or injury for several months.It is inexpensive, works and changed infrequently. However,if your scars are older, it will not work and you may need a pulsed dye laser or NdYag.