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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Sorry to hear that you’re unhappy with your scarring, jenn1204.
You can try going back to your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon and ask for scar revision. You can usually do that six months to one year after your surgery, though you may want to wait until after a year just to make sure that your incisions have completely healed.
Best of luck!

Hi Jenn,
Some people are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring than others.  Genetics, skin color, open wounds, and amount of tension on closure can all contribute to the scar aesthetics, although the final outcome can often be difficult to predict.  There are various treatments, ranging from injections to scar revision.  I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon for full physical exam and to discuss your goals and priorities.

You can not predict if a patient will have a keloid scar if the patient has never had this before, so now you need to focus on get an evaluation in person with a plastic surgeon to see if you need to get surgery again or some injection with sterioids can do the work. Good Luck!

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately there is no way to determine prior to surgery who could have hypertrophic scarring, or keloid scarring. There are some skin types that are at a higher risk, but there is always a chance that scars heal poorly. Areas with spitting sutures often do heal once the suture is removed and most of the time do not need any additional care. I would recommend visiting your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss treatment options. It is possible that a steroid could be injected into both scars to flatten them. You could possibly have laser treatment for pigmentation or use a hydroquinone as well. There are definitely treatments to make these scars better. Good luck and best wishes!

I always recommend my patients use my ScaRx tape for several months after surgery. You may be a little late for any improvement but worth trying.