What laser scar removal should I get post abdominalplasty and breast reduction? (photos)

Question

I had my abdominalplasty and breast reduction 11-2-16. Most of my scars are fairly good. My TT scar is a little higher then I wanted and has opened a little so I'm a little worried about the scaring. So which laser treatment is the best for post surgical scars and when should I start the treatment.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

The first thing you need to do is finish healing to the point that you have a stable wound.  Make sure your surgeon approves you going ahead with this procedure.  That said, and assuming you get the green light, I would look into the V-Beam laser.  It does a very good job of eliminating the red color from the wounds.  It will require several treatments, but it does help.Before you go ahead with this plan, you should know that the redness is likely to subside eventually even without the laser.  It's just that the V-Beam helps to speed up that process.Good Luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

Waiting at the very least 6 months if not a full year is typical before revising any scar. In the meantime check with your surgeon about your options.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your scar needs to be closed completely before proceeding with any laser treatments.  There are different options on the market and the best one depends on what your goals are for the treatment.  Another option is using Embrace Scar Therapy.  This is a system in which the product is placed over the closed incision and minimizes tension on the area which helps to minimize scarring.  Talk to your surgeon about the treatment that is best for you.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  There is no laser which will remove scars, only improve their appearance in some circumstances.  The first thing to do is make sure your incision has healed properly.  Then, there are some lasers available to improve the color, and there are others that are used to flatten a scar.  I would continue to follow with your plastic surgeon and follow their recommendations on what to do and when.Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery! It is important to remember that laser treatment of scars will not remove the scars, but rather improve the appearance. Laser is typically used for old scars, over 1 year old. Since your surgery was so recent, it is best to work on the scars conservatively, while you can. Be sure to discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon to get recommendations. I advise my patients to massage the scar using oily cream such as Eucerin or Mederma. The pink discoloration of the scar at this point in time is a normal part of the healing process. My patients are also advised to protect the fresh scar from the sun using sun block (with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) for 1 full year from the date of surgery. Sun exposure on a scar less than 1 year old can permanently discolor the scar. After 1 year, if the scar still bothers you, laser treatment can be used to soften and fade the color of the scar. Best of luck to you!

What laser scar removal should I get post abdominalplasty and breast reduction? (photos)

Answers (6)

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