8 moths post drainless tummy tuck - what can I do to minimize the appearance of my surgery scar? (photos)

Hi,
Thank you for your question about minimizing the scar around your belly button, or umbilicus, and your horizontal tummy tuck scar. Based on the pictures you've shared, there are several effective methods to reduce scarring.
Firstly, I recommend the nightly application of hydroquinone cream. This should be used consistently for at least six months to achieve the best results. Hydroquinone is known for its skin-lightening properties and can significantly improve the appearance of scars.
Additionally, consider undergoing Fraxel laser treatments. I suggest a minimum of three sessions, spaced six weeks apart. Fraxel laser therapy can help in remodeling the scar tissue, making it less noticeable.
If, after trying hydroquinone and Fraxel laser treatments, you find that the scar still doesn't meet your satisfaction, surgical revision is an option. This can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis in the office.
These techniques should help in optimizing the appearance of your belly button and tummy tuck scars. I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you good luck with your scar treatment journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Dear laurena7,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery. You can also try laser treatment in order to make your scars less pigmented and less visible.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @laurena7, thank you for your question. There are several factors to consider, among which is the surgical technique and a few additional tests to establish what really happened. Remember that a surgery has a process for healing that can take to a year. In order to manage the scar process, there are several non-surgical treatments available. Technologies: laser, fixer, in other products, substances, compressive attachments. The best course of action is to consult one or more board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

I would simply redo these scars (or segments of the scars) and change the suture materia- talk to your surgeon about that. Additionally silicone sheeting after excision and healing for a bit under steristrips may help more than injection therapy. Laser treatments are also an option but that's more to blend scars with the surrounding skin after healing. Best Wishes!!

Hello, thank you for your question and photos. You can improve your scars with microneedling and a bleaching cream. Keep in mind it will improve them but not make them perfect. I also suggest you keep the scars covered from the sun or any type of tanning. They will continue to fade as time goes on as well. If you are not using a scar gel or silicone sheeting you should consider this extra step as well.

From your photos there appears to be a few issues. The small dog ear at the end of your incision can be excised for a better contour. For the pigmentation and hypertrophic scars you can consider laser treatments as well as over the counter scar treatments such as silicone sheeting. If after a year you still have concerns you may be able to consider scar revision.

The pucker can be trimmed and micro-needling and/or laser can be helpful to improve your scars. I would still continue with scar products.

During consultations, I usually try to obtain some type of scar healing history from each patient.
I typically ask patients to give their history of any previous surgery, injuries, or evidence of healing, to try to get an understanding of how they are likely to heal in the future.
This can be as simple as recognizing individuals who do develop prolonged hyperpigmentation from acne or other things related to sensitive skin, which does not heal well.
Difficulties with scar tissue formation is usually divided along thick scars, which are called hypertrophic, scars, and discoloration called hyperpigmentation.
It’s important to recognize. The two conditions are separate from each other and are treated differently.
It appears you have Scar hypertrophy, which is best treated with silicone sheeting, conservative steroid injections and making absolutely sure nothing irritates the scar with an absolute commitment to no scratching or letting close rub against the scar surface.
Sometimes silicone sheeting can be a protective barrier to minimize micro trauma, leading to prolonged increase inflammation, which is the underlying true ideology of excessive scar formation.
Steroid injections should be used with caution. Excessive steroid injection can cause significant widening of the scar though steroids are very good at reducing the inflammation and getting scars to stop growing and become thin.
Understanding someone’s potential performing hypertrophic scars is an important variable to review during consultations, since this may potentially sway individuals in the decision-making of having the surgery or not.
Other than silicon, tape, and correct use of steroids I don’t know if there’s much we can add.
Severe keloid treatments are sometimes managed with immediate postoperative radiation therapy.
I don’t think you are in that category.
Sometimes hypertrophic scars can be itchy.
It is imperative that people do not induce chronic ongoing micro, irritations by scratching or letting clothing rub against the scar.Scar maturation can continue for a long time and will typically continue to improve for about 18 months after surgery.
Most patients see the worst scar formation 6weeks to 4 months after the procedure after which the scars typically slowly start maturing, shrinking a size and improving in color.
Overzealous use of steroids should be viewed with great caution.
Generally scar revision surgery should only be undertaken if circumstances are different, ensuring better healing. If the circumstances have not changed then patients should not expect scar revisions to improve the outcome.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD