Does This Look Like a "Normal" Tummy Tuck Scar? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck on April 23, 2012. This is what my scar looks like now. My C-section scar was a sliver of a line, barely visible. This is NOT what I was expecting since I already know how my body scars and heals. Are tummy tuck scars all that different? Also, is this the "best" possible outcome? My surgeon promised me a flat tummy, however, you can see from the pic that my tummy hangs over my scar. He told me that this was the way my body healed, etc. and that this was my result.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery—namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.
Scar Management tips:Minimize tension on the scar. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas at the time of surgery to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar.  This minimizes the  stress that  can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and  delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”. In the first few weeks after surgery, I recommend the use of Embrace Scar Therapy which is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar.Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.Protect your scars from the sun. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. available in many surgeons’ offices. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc).. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected.  Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of  injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments  to treat or  prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Even at 3 months you are still in the early healing phase. There does appear to be overhanging skin of the lower abdomen. And your incision looks a little high. A pre-operative photo would be helpful. If this area does not improve over then next 6 month you may need to have additional skin removed to yield a nice flat result. Good luck DR.Z

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

The navel scar look good, but I can barely see the TT scar because of the overhang.

	The overall appearance can be improved by a secondary surgery to lower the scar, to stretch out the excess skin between the navel and the scar,and get a better match of the fat thickness of the upper and lower skin adjacent to the scar.

	Thank you for your question, all the best.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question and photo.  It would be beneficial to compare before and after photos as well as take into account any possible weight gain following surgery.  With that said, your current photo shows an incision that is too high, the top edge of the incision is too thick, and there is residual adiposity.  All of these can be corrected if you should choose to pursue a revision.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Does This Look Like a "Normal" Tummy Tuck Scar? (photo)

Answers (4)