I had a tummy tuck Feb 2017. 4 weeks after surgery I started using New gel plus silicone strips and scar away strips for about 2 Months, then new gel plus silicone gel for about 2 months and then mederma. I started noticing that my scar was getting wider and darker. Sometimes it feels like it’s actually stretching. I followed up with the plastic surgeon but he said it’s normal and scars take years to heal. He suggested trying silicone gel again. What can I do to treat this scar?
Answer: Abdominoplasty scar revision Laser and scars cream or bleaching creams may lighten the scar, however, as you indicated and as shown in your photo, the scar is also wide. The only treatment for this is a scar revision where the scar is removed and the skin sewn close. I recommend scar revision as the best treatment for you. There will be minimal tension on the scar, unlike after your initial surgery and so the wide scar is unlikely to recur. If the hyperpigmentation recurs (also not very likely), it can be treated with laser or topical treatments. After your revision, take the same careful approach with topical creams as you did initially.I do agree with you surgeon that scars take years to heal, however the width will not reduce with further time, and so even by giving it a few more years, you are unlikely to be happy with this scar.All the best to you,Dr. Nancy de Kleer
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Answer: Abdominoplasty scar revision Laser and scars cream or bleaching creams may lighten the scar, however, as you indicated and as shown in your photo, the scar is also wide. The only treatment for this is a scar revision where the scar is removed and the skin sewn close. I recommend scar revision as the best treatment for you. There will be minimal tension on the scar, unlike after your initial surgery and so the wide scar is unlikely to recur. If the hyperpigmentation recurs (also not very likely), it can be treated with laser or topical treatments. After your revision, take the same careful approach with topical creams as you did initially.I do agree with you surgeon that scars take years to heal, however the width will not reduce with further time, and so even by giving it a few more years, you are unlikely to be happy with this scar.All the best to you,Dr. Nancy de Kleer
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
March 5, 2018
Answer: Abdominoplasty wide scar There are a few options for your scar or maybe even a combination treatment would work best.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 5, 2018
Answer: Abdominoplasty wide scar There are a few options for your scar or maybe even a combination treatment would work best.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 4, 2018
Answer: Scar options Your scar may improve some with time, but probably not much. Most scars start to appear mature after about 1 year. Certainly, the widening of the scar will not improve. The only way to improve the widening is by removing the scar and closing the skin with less tension than before. Scar revision surgery is usually effective because it takes much less tension to close the surgical wound than when the abdominoplasty is performed. If you choose this route, I would suggest Embrace scar therapy after about 1 month. I have seen good results with the Embrace silicone sheets that also reduce tension on the scar.
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March 4, 2018
Answer: Scar options Your scar may improve some with time, but probably not much. Most scars start to appear mature after about 1 year. Certainly, the widening of the scar will not improve. The only way to improve the widening is by removing the scar and closing the skin with less tension than before. Scar revision surgery is usually effective because it takes much less tension to close the surgical wound than when the abdominoplasty is performed. If you choose this route, I would suggest Embrace scar therapy after about 1 month. I have seen good results with the Embrace silicone sheets that also reduce tension on the scar.
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March 2, 2018
Answer: Scar Maturation TwinMGG. Scar healing is hard to predict and each individual scars differently. I would allow another two or three months to pass with continuation of scar creams. At that time you may consider scar revision or laser treatments. The immature scar should not be subjected to strong direct sunlight, as immature scars that get tan stay tan. Best of luck.
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March 2, 2018
Answer: Scar Maturation TwinMGG. Scar healing is hard to predict and each individual scars differently. I would allow another two or three months to pass with continuation of scar creams. At that time you may consider scar revision or laser treatments. The immature scar should not be subjected to strong direct sunlight, as immature scars that get tan stay tan. Best of luck.
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March 2, 2018
Answer: I am one year post tummy tuck. My scar and the area around it is getting darker and wider. What is the best treatment? At 1 year the scar should not be getting darker. You are not likely to see significant improvement with silicone strips at this point. I would suggest getting a consultation for laser treatment to see if that lightens it, otherwise you may need a scar revision. Best of luck!
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March 2, 2018
Answer: I am one year post tummy tuck. My scar and the area around it is getting darker and wider. What is the best treatment? At 1 year the scar should not be getting darker. You are not likely to see significant improvement with silicone strips at this point. I would suggest getting a consultation for laser treatment to see if that lightens it, otherwise you may need a scar revision. Best of luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
