Should I get a tummy tuck scar revision? (photo)

Question

Hello! I had a tummy tuck and for some reason my scar doesn’t look great. I don’t know why but I feel like it looks pretty bad. Would you do a revision to correct it?

Peter Chang, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question!

Looking at the photo you submitted, your scar looks relatively good. I would have an in person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding any scar revisions. Keep in mind, if revised, you'll be at risk of encountering the same issues. Best of Luck!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! A scar revision is going to replace your current scar with another scar that could potentially heal the exact same or possibly worse. I would recommend using a scar cream and/or silicone scar sheets on your scars for up to a year post-op and see if your scars will lighten that way instead of revising.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your provided history and pictures, it seems a scar revision might be beneficial following your tummy tuck. Scar revision can take many forms, including Fraxel laser treatments, Morpheus8 treatments, or injections of Kenalog, cortisone, or 5FU. Surgical resection is also an option, though it may lead to similar scarring if your body's healing process is the underlying issue. Therefore, I suggest considering the more conservative routes mentioned above. I wish you the best of luck with your scar revision decision.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at the photo you have provided I would suggest starting with the use of some kenalog injections. This will allow your Surgeon to start to work on the thickness of your scar.  After several treatments of that you may then do some IPL laser to help remove some of the color.  If that doesn't work then I would recommend doing a scar revision.  Best of luck to you.

Adam Bauermeister, MD · Answer

Hello, 
I would need more information on when you had the tummy tuck performed and what scar therapies have been attempted. In general, I only recommend scar revisions, if they are needed, only 1 year or further out from surgery to ensure the completion of the scar remodeling process. 
It appears that you've developed a keloid scar. This oftentimes occurs due to a genetic tendency and not as a result of the surgeon who performed the surgery. A keloid scar is defined as a scar that grows outside of the wound borders. It is due to disorganized scar structure. 
Initially these types of scars can be treated with gel silicone sheeting, compressive therapy, and steroids injected into the scar. If these treatments do not appear to improve the scar and it has been a year or greater from the date of surgery, then excision of the scar tissue (scar revision) and injection of steroids can be performed in addition to the gel silicone sheeting and compressive therapy. If the keloid scar recurs following this, then sometimes local postoperative radiation therapy is recommended immediately following re-excision. 
Dr. Bauermeister

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. In my opinion, there are three things that can be recommended to improve your scar:

(1)  Use of silicone bandages 
(2) Steroid injections
(3) Revision of the scar via surgery. 
It may require all these in combination. Seek multiple opinions.

Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS
es@drstephmd.com

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and picture, I do not think we know how long out you are from surgery.  I would speak to your surgeon about a set of steroid injections first, and then wait at least year after surgery.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck scar revision is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of a scar left behind after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The decision to get a scar revision should be based on the appearance and location of the scar and your personal aesthetic goals.

If your scar is causing you distress and affecting your self-esteem, you may be a good candidate for scar revision. It's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in scar revision, as well as tummy tuck surgery. They will be able to evaluate your individual case and recommend the best course of treatment.

It's important to keep in mind that scar revision is a separate procedure from the initial tummy tuck surgery, and that it may not completely eliminate the scar. The goal of scar revision is to make the scar less visible, but it may not be possible to make it disappear completely.

It's also worth noting that the revision may require additional incisions and result in new scars, but it's usually done to improve the appearance of the scar, and to make it less noticeable.

It's important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and be aware that the scar revision may not remove the scar completely, but it can be improved.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tasteful591959,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Should I get a tummy tuck scar revision? (photo)

Answers (17)

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