Tummy Tuck scar solution?? Please Help. (photos)

Question

hi i really need a real advise on my case?? i had a tuck tummy surgery done 10 years back after delivering my kids.when i initially had the consultation done with the dr he told me that the scar will NOT exceed 20 cm from the middle but i was shocked to see that he extended the scar another 16 cms from the sides (8 cm each side) i feel so desperate having to cover the scar everytime i go to the beach or be with my boyfriend.i wish with all the new technologies i can do something about this ?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I'm sorry to hear about your frustration. Based on this photo you have a very nice result. Sometimes it is necessary to extend incisions to improve contours and avoid dog ears. There are a number of treatments to help lighten scars including silicone sheeting, some laser therapies and microneedling. It is also very important to prevent sun exposure/tanning on a new scar because this can result in pigmentation.  I recommend that you talk with your Plastic Surgeon about options to help fade your scar.All the best

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

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars may widen or continue to be red and elevated. Excision and reclosure may help some scars. Other treatments are available as well. It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.

These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Your scar looks typical of the procedure, and is the trade off for the (usually) dramatic improvement in the shape of the abdomen and skin quality.  You could consider certain laser treatments or micro-needling, but the improvements will likely be modest.Best of luck!

Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

That incision look pretty standard, and unfortunately, the scar will not disappear. We do not have the technology to make scars become invisible.

Tummy Tuck scar solution?? Please Help. (photos)

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Tummy Tuck scar solution?? Please Help. (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tummy tuck scar

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.