Can you advise on tummy tuck scar revision muscle problems?

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

Dear garyjones108,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you've been experiencing since your tummy tuck. An examination is needed to help determine the best course of action for you. There are many scar treatment options that are available from systems such as Brijit or Embrace, to silicone strips, lasers, ointments, etc. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and learn of treatment options for you.

The first question someone should ask themselves before contemplating a scar revision is why would a new scar heal any better than the first time around?

Unless there were unusual circumstances such as wound dehiscence, infections or very poor surgical technique new scars will heal exactly like the first time around.

Sometimes hypertrophic scars can be managed during the first year by strict adherence with silicone sheeting, conservative anti-inflammatory steroid injections or radiation therapy. In these cases scar revisions may be indicated.

At this point there is really very little that can be done. It’s not really possible to put back skin that was cut out.

You didn’t include a picture so we can’t really make an assessment.

For garden-variety hypertrophic scars the first step is to generally start using silicon tape a.k.a. silicon cheating. These can be purchased for around $15-$20 for a 6 foot strip on Amazon.

The second thing to consider is that hypertrophic scars can itch and scratching even slightly hypertrophic scars will guarantee that they get worse.

This may also mean adjusting belt lines or anything that rubs against the scar.

If the hypertrophy is extreme and does not respond to conservative measures then conservative anti-inflammatory steroid injections can be attempted.

Follow up with your provider or consider getting and in person second opinion.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD