How soon after a tummy tuck can you apply the silicone tape to reduce the appearance of scar?

The trade off for a tummy tuck is the scar, though we have never had a patient feel that it was not a good trade. Part of the art in plastic surgery is to make scars that are as hidden as possible, and the goal with a tummy tuck scar is for it to be a fine line that blends in well and is below the bikini line.

We put Micropore tape for three weeks and then change to a scar care regiment of silicone and massage. We recommend massage with silicone gel twice a day starting three weeks after surgery. This is the best supported strategy in the literature, and has noticeable results on scar maturation.

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

Hello,In my practice I recommend starting with Silicone treatment roughly 3 weeks post op or as soon as the incision is completely closed. I recommend that you have your Plastic Surgeon advise you on when to begin. All the best

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. Generally when there is a thickening of the scar of the recovery. Which means 15 days after surgery. Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.- 

Thank you for your question.  It is always best to discuss questions related to your post operative care with your surgeon first, as each surgeon has their own unique set of instructions meant ot help you achieve the best overall result.  That being said, typically we advise our patients that they may begin scar scare 3-4 weeks after surgery if the have had an uneventful recovery.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

 Are you Steri-Strips after surgery and remove them at two weeks. If there are no scabs I allow patients to use scar strips immediately.  Always check with your surgeon to make sure this is right for you. 

Hello, in my practice, fabric tapes called Steri-strips are applied to the incision during surgery, so there is no need to apply scar strips or any other treatment until these are removed about 2 weeks after surgery.  There are variations in scar care after surgery so your PS will likely have a specific scar regimen.

I would remove the steristrips at one week and allow you to start using your tape. If you have a history of heavy, hypertrophic scars it's fine to use. For the majority of patients, it won't be necessary. Good luck, Dr Frank

Thank you for your quesiton.  I usually have my patients wait at least a month before adding any scar management into the recovery period.  There is no right or wrong answer.  I would discuss this with your surgeon before doing it however.  Good luck.

Silicone strips can help to reduce the appearance of scars but it is best to use them once your scar is completely closed and the dressing has been removed. Ensure that you check with your surgeon before applying new products to your skin after surgery. All the best.