Hypertrophic scar 7 months post-op tummy tuck - What are my options? (photos)

Question

Hello. I had surgery almost 7 months ago and my scar is not looking good. It’s really red, sore, feels tight, and also very thick. I have never scarred like this, and I’ve had multiple surgeries. I will add this was a tummy tuck. Iam considering injections to help, or possibly a full scar revision. I don’t know what to do. I followed all protocols. Workout 5 days a week. I’m notsure why this happened but it’s completely ruined my self esteem. I want some opinions please.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from the photo, there appears to be a hypertrophic scar. These are well-known causes of tenderness, itching, pain and a very tight, pulling sensation. Intralesional anti-inflammatory injections can help to shrink and flatten hypertrophic scars and improve all of the above symptoms Surgical revision runs the risk for the subsequent development of even larger stretch scars and tram track stitch marks. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Hypertrophic scar 7 months post-op tummy tuck - What are my options? (photos)

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Hypertrophic scar 7 months post-op tummy tuck - What are my options? (photos)

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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.