Tummy tuck and belly button scar got darker - any help? (Photo)

Question

This is my tummy tuck scar and belly button revision with the same Dr. Ary Krau. My belly button did not improve even a little but its color got worst now its like purple and i do know all belly buttons are dark and after surgery they might be more visible but mine is kind of purple. My question is would hydroquinone help? Do i put it all over the belly button? I am using the silicone stripes on the tt scar and it seems also really dark which did not happened with the prior scar

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. These can usually be started at approximately 3-4 weeks postop and when incisions healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. Scars will never disappear, but attempt is made to make the finest scar in a concealed location. Incisions may be revised to lower or conceal better if enough laxity exists. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Another option for your belly button is to attempt to suture the stalk deep to the fascia so it invaginates and the dark pigmented skin is somewhat hidden due to the invagination.  A last resort is to wait a few years and re-advance the abdominal wall skin inferiorly, excising and closing the current umbilical keyhole and creating a new umbilical opening that is more aesthetic.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Worth a try using 4 to 8% hydroquinones. If after a few months no lightening the you might have permanent hyperpigmentation. Sorry. As for doing liposuction on your abdomen I believe it would sculpt you more.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

The deep skin inside a long belly button stalk can get chronic irritation from moisture. As the "stalk" gets shortened in a tummy tuck, this pigment can be revealed. It was well hidden.Laser treatment can help.

Tummy tuck and belly button scar got darker - any help? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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