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

Question

I am Brown Skin, 5'4 139Ib's, with 2 kids. One thing I realized is that white women have a better chance with their scars going away than a women of color. Which is one thing that I am hesitant about, Not Looking to go and get a tattoo on my scaring after a year and half post op. So I just want to know if there are any doctors that do this procedure Mommy Makeover procedure on Black women and the scaring not look so horrific after a year and half? Pretty much so freaking seamless.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

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.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Mehmet Fatih Okyay, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,
Surely dark skin is risky about that topic. But basicly bad looking scar and/or hypertrophic scar risks are up to wound edge tension and wound closure strength.On the other hand this fear keeps your body as the same and the time is passing with this.Additionally, last years has shown that fat tissue includes stem cells. We used this for regenerative surgery as a scar treatment with stem cells. So these scars are able to heal and these treatments can add to operation to obtain better scar on risk groups.
Best.
Mehmet Fatih Okyay, MD, FEBOPRASAesthetic & Plastic Surgery Specialist

Paul M. Glat, MD · Answer

Everyone scars differently. We have many options to help with scarring but there is no way to guarantee a good scar in patients no matter what skin type they have.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Fifty percent of my practice is Latino or dark skin.  I use paper tape at the end of the case and then change to 3M silicone tape for the next 2-3 months.  I have found that the tape takes tension off of the healing incisions and the silicone aids in keeping the scar flat.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Gokhan Temiz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. There is no certain thing about the keloid scarring. Only fact is black and brown skin people tend to have keloid scarring rather than the white people. If you ever have a bad healing scar before, there is a possibility to have it again. Unfortunately there is no certain technique to avoid keloid scarring.

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

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