Is my scar hypertrophic & do I have scar tissue? (Photo)

Question

I had an abdominoplasty in January 2022 and am very unhappy with the scar. It is raised and red but not painful. I also have scars where the drains were removed. I use silicone gel and scar tape and massage daily.I have had extreme GI difficulties sporadically for the past 4 months. Is it possible there is scar tissue building up?

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes it appears you have some areas of hypertrophic scar.  If silicone sheets and other interventions have been used consistently and not improved the area you can consider steroid injections.  You can also consider scar revision at this point.  See your surgeon for further recommendation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You have red, hypertrophic scars, likely from extreme tension on the tummy tuck closure. It's clear from the fact you have BOTH a high transverse scar and a vertical dart that the surgeon tried very hard to cut out more skin but couldn't. I advise against the usual therapeutic plan of corticosteroid injection because they will cause scar widening and likely not make much of a difference in scar color. I advise waiting, possibly up to one year or more until you have regain some minimal amount of laxity. At that time you should consider surgical scar revision and post surgical tape therapy for 3 to 6 months. Any GI issues you are having has nothing to do with your tummy tuck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gorgeous214926,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Gorgeous,
Your tummy tuck scars do appear to be hypertrophic in areas, especially around the belly button.  Keep using your scar gels and tape, massage, and follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations.  Scars can take 2 years or more to fully mature.  The scars have nothing whatsoever to do with your GI difficulties and you should see your PMD for that issue.  Good luck!

Is my scar hypertrophic & do I have scar tissue? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Answer: Tummy tuck scarring

Answer: Tummy tuck scarring

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Is my scar hypertrophic & do I have scar tissue? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Scars

Answer: Scars

Answer: Tummy tuck scarring

Answer: Tummy tuck scarring

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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