1 year post-op tummy tuck - treatment for dark/red vertical TT scar? (Photo)

Question

I had a TT one year ago. Love my results except for my dark/red vertical scar where my old BB was. All my other scars healed nice and light. Only this one looks like this. What can I do for this? I already did over 6 months of silicone therapy and so that's not the answer I don't think. Do I need scar revision or some sort of laser? Thank you!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as the silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Treating a red  tummy tuck scar with a vascular laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can be effective in reducing the appearance of redness and promoting scar fading. Vascular lasers, such as pulsed dye lasers, target the blood vessels responsible for the redness in scars, while IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum light to target pigment and blood vessels.
Both options can help improve the appearance of the scar by reducing redness and promoting collagen remodeling. However, the choice between the two depends on various factors such as the specific characteristics of the scar, skin type, and individual response to treatment. Find a scar expert. 
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
Realself Hall of Fame
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

1 year post-op tummy tuck - treatment for dark/red vertical TT scar? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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1 year post-op tummy tuck - treatment for dark/red vertical TT scar? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.