Is it too late for scar treatments? (Photos)

Question

Is there a point that scar treatments won't help the appearance of keloids? I'm 14 months post tummy tuck after a 170 lb weight loss.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question! Unfortunately topical treatments are ineffective this long after your surgery. However, steroid injections into deep scar tissue can be used to break up some of the thick scars, as well as bleaching cream to decrease some of the hyperpigmentation. I recommend seeing your plastic surgeon for more information. Hope this helps!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, 14 months is too late to change the overall appearance of the scar with topical treatments. Skin lightening cream to reduce the pigmentation might be the exception. Address this issue with your surgeon.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  If you have not seen much of a change over the last several months conservative treatments are unlikely to help your scar’s appearance and it would be better to consider a revision procedure and early treatment with silicone scar creams, sheets, and steroid injections.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

At 14 months post-op, it is far too late for topical treatments to be effective. You can return to your surgeon and discuss options for improving the appearance of your scars, though. Surgical excision with aggressive postoperative treatments may be an option.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a tough one. I would not have a lot of expectation at this point that scar treatments (gels, tapes, lasers, massage, etc.) would help much. It might be worth considering cutting out the old scar and repairing it again. It's a bit unpredictable, but the difference this time is that your skin would not have near the tension that it had on it when the TT was performed. So, the scar may be less prone to stretching. Best wishes

Is it too late for scar treatments? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it too late for scar treatment 14 months post-op?

Answer: Is it too late for scar treatment 14 months post-op?

Answer: Scarring after TT

Answer: Scarring after TT

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Is it too late for scar treatments? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it too late for scar treatment 14 months post-op?

Answer: Is it too late for scar treatment 14 months post-op?

Answer: Scarring after TT

Answer: Scarring after TT

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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.