8 months post op. Hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. What I can do to improve the look at least from my belly button? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck done 8 months ago. My scar now looks like this. I am so unhappy as I paid a lot of money to get my pre baby body. My surgeon said there was nothing he could of done to prevented the hypertrophic scarring from happening. I do recall shortly after my surgery a couple stitches ripped and when I told him, he said it was going to heal itself. Now one side is raised a lot more then the other. I really need advise as to what I can do to improve the look at least from my bell button.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Given the appearance as well as timing from your surgery, I think that scar revision is likely the best method to improve the appearance. You have significant hypertrophic scarring and surgical excision and resururing the areas would be best.  Other conservative methods that are often employed earlier in the postoperative period include scar massage, corticosteroid injections, and/or lasers. However, given the appearance and timeline, revision could be entertained. Best way wishes!

Himansu Shah, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos. It is difficult to predict who will have a keloid or hypertrophic scar post surgery and one cannot prevent it. Open wound most likely did not contribute to your scar. There are different options such as scar massage, application of silicone sheets, and kenalog injections that may help. It is best to discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jenn1204,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a scar revision surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

your only option at this point is to have a scar revision and consider a steroid injection at the same time as you can only hope that you will heal better this time around.  In my practice, when patients do not have pretty belly buttons, I always suggest removing the belly button and reconstructing one later that isn't surrounded by a scar like the traditional ones are... but this is no longer a viable option but something your surgeon may consider doing him/herself in the future.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry you have hypertrophic scar. It  is difficult to predict and prevent these things. You can try steroid injection, which most likely will help. Please talk to your PS for options of scar management.

8 months post op. Hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. What I can do to improve the look at least from my belly button? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: When you experience poor scarring from tummy tucks

Answer: When you experience poor scarring from tummy tucks

Answer: Scar after TT

Answer: Scar after TT

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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8 months post op. Hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. What I can do to improve the look at least from my belly button? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: When you experience poor scarring from tummy tucks

Answer: When you experience poor scarring from tummy tucks

Answer: Scar after TT

Answer: Scar after TT

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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