Are there any treatment options to prevent bad scarring in women of color after the mommy makeover procedure?

Absolutely, there are steps and treatments that can help minimize scarring, especially for women of color, after a Mommy Makeover or any surgical procedure. People with darker skin tones might be more prone to developing noticeable scars or hyperpigmentation.

Here are some strategies and treatments to help reduce scarring:

Silicone Sheets or Gel: Silicone-based products can be effective in managing and minimizing scar appearance. Silicone sheets or gels applied to the incisions can help flatten and soften scars over time.

Steroid Injections: Some surgeons use corticosteroid injections to manage raised or keloid scars. These injections can help flatten and soften the scar tissue.

Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL), can help reduce the appearance of scars by promoting collagen production and improving skin texture.

Scar Massage: Gently massaging the scar tissue can improve blood flow and promote healing. Use a moisturizing cream or oil while massaging to keep the skin hydrated.

Topical Treatments: Prescription creams or gels containing ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or hydroquinone can sometimes help improve the appearance of scars.

Proper Wound Care: Following your surgeon's post-operative care instructions diligently can significantly impact how scars heal. Keeping the incisions clean and protected as they heal is crucial.

Sun Protection: Protecting scars from sun exposure is vital, especially for individuals with darker skin tones, as UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation in healing scars. Use sunscreen and cover the scars when exposed to sunlight.

It's essential to discuss your concerns about scarring with your plastic surgeon before and after the Mommy Makeover. They can provide personalized recommendations and treatments tailored to your skin type and healing process, aiming to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing.

There are several components of a mommy makeover. The part I will be talking about is a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This technique eliminates the vertical scars which is widely unacceptable. This technique will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. I have done this procedure on multiple women with darker skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Yes it is very possible to have nice minimally visible scars after surgery. In addition to techniques used during the procedure to help minimize tension on skin, there are also scar treatments available. We have had success with Embrace Scar Therapy as well as silicone sheeting products.

It is impossible to predict what kind of scars you will end up after this surgery unless you have some old scars in these areas which can be used for comparison and prediction. Using prolonged postoperative scar management we may say that we have very pleasing results in black women. Good luck.

Dear jasmineP95,Ffor scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery