Scar revision after Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck in April then cortisone injections in Oct. My scar looks really bad should I have scar revision or give it more time?

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

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In my opinion the best for you will be to lower the old scar about 3 cm but this will not mean it will be hidden under the bathing suit. I wish you all the best.

Jerome H. Liu, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck patients who are unhappy with their scar can benefit from a scar revision. Using a scar therapy afterward would be essential. Embrace Active Scar Defense is one scar treatment that has shown to have great results for patients. Consult your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding his or her recommended scar therapy protocol for you. Good luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question and photo. In my practice , I've noted that It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, #abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen . It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard , Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as #Embrace.On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.If a scar #revision is deemed necessary, you will need to be patient and wait for your skin to relax. Consult with a trusted BCPS to form a plan of care. Best wishes!

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Thanks for your picture. It demonstrates all of the potential risk with a steroid injection. You have thinning of the skin, bleaching of skin color and increased visibility of underlying blood vessels. The only way to make this area look better is to completely excise the area. After a tummy tuck, the timing of scar revision is based on two issues: the case of the bad scar and the amount of skin laxity. If the scar is slightly thick, red or widened I would wait 9-12 months. Usually these scars are acceptable and don't need revision. A scar like yours (complication of steroid injection), is going to need a wider excision and you will need to wait until there is enough skin laxity to close the incision.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but it is hard to advise from the one picture.   Pleae re-post a full picture front view to see the overall result and scar.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Because the scar maturation process can take over a year to complete, I would counsel you to allow more time to pass before pursuing a revision.  This allows enough time for any swelling to resolve and will yield a more cosmetic appearance.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Best to give your scar at least one full year to mature. I always tell my patients that it takes a good year for the scars to mature so any intervention prior to that is futile. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello Thank you for your question and picture. It would be best if you waited the full year of recovery to intervene any further. Healing takes time and your recovery after a year will be better. Be sure to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best regards

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can
appreciate your concern.The ideal time for revision is 1 year after your surgery.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.Wishing you the best in your journey

Scar revision after Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Answers (11)

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