What is the best way to soften scar tissue from a recent tummy tuck? Besides silicone gel? Tummy Tuck was done October 2014.

Thank you for your question.  Patience is required when dealing with scars after surgery.  Especially at the point where you are now after your procedure.  At 2 months after your surgery, you are most likely feeling great and are back to all your normal activities.  Your scar is now completely healed, but has a long way to go before it attains its final result.  At this point you are in the remodeling phase of healing.  All the collagen that your body has deposited in order to heal your incision is "piled up" like disorganized bricks or building blocks making the scar raised and bumpy.  New blood vessels have formed to assist in healing and this makes the scar and the area immediately around it appear red/pink/darker.  Over the next 4-6 months and even up to 12-18 months after your procedure your body will be continuing to "remodel" your scar.  The scar will become softer, more flat and lighter over time.  There are multiple treatment modalities that can help you to optimize the final appearance of your scars.  Scar massage can help to manually soften your scar.  I recommend to my patients that some form of silicone scar treatment be utilized.  Silicone gels that are applied and then dry to form a barrier and silicone tape are effective.  A newer product that is extremely effective is the Neodyne embrace device which combines and elastic sheeting with silicone to optimize your scar's final appearance.  Best wishes with your continued recovery!

Thank you for the great question. I use silicone patches or a liquid silicone that has to be applied daily like Scarguard. Silicone creates a moisture barrier and is proven in the literature to be effective. Other over the counter applications like moisturizers can evaporate quickly and be less effective. Hope this helps