What are the best options to treat surgical scar on stomach? (Photos)

Question

I had a stomach surgery last year after getting into an accident. I’ve already undergone four sessions of CO2 Laser with PRP. Now, I’m wondering what treatment would be the best next step for me. Please advise, thank you very much.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

First, I want to acknowledge how much you've already invested in treating this scar. Recovering from a traumatic accident and major surgery is a significant journey, and it's understandable to want the best possible cosmetic outcome afterward.

Based on your description, you've already undergone four sessions of CO2 laser resurfacing combined with PRP, which are among the more advanced treatments available for surgical scars. The next step depends on the specific characteristics of the scar—whether it is raised, depressed, widened, discolored, tethered to deeper tissue, or a combination of these features.

For many mature abdominal scars, improvement often comes from combining treatments rather than relying on a single procedure. If the scar remains thick or raised, intralesional corticosteroid injections may help soften and flatten it. If there is persistent redness, vascular laser treatments can be beneficial. If the scar appears indented or tethered, techniques such as subcision, filler placement, or fat grafting may help restore a smoother contour.

One important consideration is that abdominal scars are often under tension due to normal body movement. Sometimes a scar that has widened significantly despite laser treatment may benefit from surgical scar revision. This involves carefully excising the existing scar and re-closing it with techniques designed to minimize tension and improve the final appearance. While this does create a new scar, it can result in a thinner, more cosmetically favorable one.

Microneedling, particularly when combined with radiofrequency, is another option that may continue to improve texture and collagen remodeling after CO2 laser treatments. Many patients see additional gradual improvement over several months as collagen continues to mature.

It's also worth remembering that scar remodeling continues for a long time. Even a year after surgery, scars can still undergo meaningful changes, especially when treatments are combined with good scar care and sun protection.

Looking at your treatment history, I would not necessarily assume that you've reached the maximum improvement possible. Rather, I would focus on identifying which aspect of the scar remains most bothersome—texture, thickness, color, width, or contour irregularity—and tailoring the next treatment specifically to that concern.

The encouraging news is that scars often continue to improve with a thoughtful, staged approach. While complete removal of a scar is not possible, significant refinement in texture, color, and overall visibility can often be achieved with the right combination of treatments.

What are the best options to treat surgical scar on stomach? (Photos)

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