C-section scar revision: what are my options? (Photos)

Question

I had a c-section 4 months ago and am very unhappy with the scar. It creates an uneven contour on my stomach. It seems to be a bit indented and then there is some skin/fat above it. How could it be revised? Would subcision combined with mini Lipo work? One picture is lying down, the other is standing up. I am 5’5, 114 pounds.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be achieved with a surgical scar revision of your c-section.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Nice136I appreciate your concern, however it is best to allow full maturation of your scar before considering any revisions. After one full year, scar revision with liposuction, if necessary, may be a good option for you. Any surgical attempts to improve the scar at this early stage is not advisable and will not work. Steroid injections may be attempted at this stage and or a reasonable early option. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm my advice. Good luck.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

This  red scar can be improved with a combination of treatments. Vascular laser or IPL can help with the erythema. The scar can be lifted with subcision and PRP. This is followed by a fractionated laser. Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These scars can typically be improved vascular lasers (Yellow laser, VBeam, Excel V), fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2), microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and silicone-based scar gels w/ growth factors. I would suggest seeing an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer.

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C-section scar revision: what are my options? (Photos)

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Answer: C-section scar? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: C-section scar? Englewood Cliffs New Jersey

Answer: Red Hypertrophic Scars -- Vascular Lasers (Yellow, VBeam, Excel V), Fractional Laser (CO2, Erbium, Fraxel), Microneedling/PRP

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