Any suggestions for Body lift scars hiding?

Question

My body lift scars are 3 months old. They are flat but dark and discolored and other are still red. I am applying all the creams prescribed by my ps. Can I tattoo them or do microdermabrasion or chemical peel or too soon? My wedding is next month so am concerned. Thnx

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding methods to manage and potentially hide scars following a 360 circumferential lower body lift. Congratulations on undergoing this transformative procedure, and I trust that you are pleased with the results.

Scar Treatment Options:

Silicone-Based Treatments: Applying silicone ointment and silicone strips consistently is one of the best approaches. They should ideally be worn continuously for maximum effectiveness.

FRAXEL Laser: This laser treatment aids in breaking down and rebuilding collagen in scars, helping to improve their appearance.

V-Beam Laser: Specifically beneficial for red and purple scars, this laser helps in reducing discoloration.

Steroid and 5FU Injections: These can be used for more prominent or problematic scars.

Microneedling (with or without PRP): This technique stimulates the skin's healing processes.

Dermabrasion: This method smoothens the scars by removing the upper layers of the skin.

Chemical Peel and Hydroquinone: Useful for bleaching and lightening the scar.

Scar Maturation:

Keep in mind that it takes about two years for a lower body lift scar to fully mature and settle. During this period, the scar's appearance will gradually change and often improve.
Tattoo Concealment:

If, after two years, the scars haven't improved to your satisfaction despite these treatments, tattooing over the scar is an option. However, this is rarely necessary as most patients find that their scars heal effectively with the treatments mentioned.
Final Thoughts:

Each person's skin responds differently to these treatments, so it might be a process of trial and error to find what works best for your scars.
Congratulations once again on your surgery and your upcoming wedding. I hope these suggestions help you in managing your lower body lift scars effectively.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kendall Roehl, MD, FACS · Answer

Most creams don't work for scarring unless they are silicone-based. You could anticipate your scars will continue to fade over the next few months, but they won't be at their lightest for 6-8 months and that doesn't help you for your wedding. I usually recommend silicone sheets to be applied to scars. This helps with flattening, softening, and decreasing the color better than anything else on the market. Good luck and congrats on the wedding.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Scars take up to 18 months to go through their maturation phase during which they will change from very raised and bumpy to hopefully smooth and light in appearance.  You are still in the very early healing phase and its common for scars to still be red.  Its unlikely you will achieve significant improvement in one month.  I recommend patients in my practice use silicone gel sheets which can be applied and worn overnight for best results.  Tattooing or dermabrasion would be very unwise.

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD · Answer

Sometimes you will not know what a final scar appearance really is until a year after surgery. Every surgeon and patient has different threshholds for scar revision. What we know is that tension at the time of closure and wound healing issues can lead to widened scars but everyone scars differently. Check with a board certified plastic surgeon so they can examine you and make specific recommendations. Good luck, MMT

Any suggestions for Body lift scars hiding?

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Any suggestions for Body lift scars hiding?

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Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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