Would I Qualify for Abdominal Scar Revision?

Question

Hello men of science! I'm a 22 year old male with a 6in abdominal surgical scar. I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about scar revision (not crazy about a tummytuck). Just below my navel, the scar has two "chunks" of fat on both sides of it, so it's like the scar is a bit indented. Then the last inch or two of the scar seems to be attached to the abdominal wall itself. Is scar revision typical in this scenario? I know it won't remove the scar totally, but would it help to smooth the surface and color?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	By the looks of things the upper portion of your scar might be reasonable for revision. I would need to feel it to be more sure. The firmness makes a difference.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You sound pretty realistic with your expectations. If the scar is tethering, and you feel lumps from fat on the sides, it may very well be able to be revised.  Go to a board certified plastic surgeon.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You have a good understanding of the problem. If your scar is simply excised and closed it will adhere again and the surrounding fat will still be higher.

	I use excision and 924 laser treatment of the surrounding fat to level the area around the scr. See my post below for photos.

Would I Qualify for Abdominal Scar Revision?

Answers (4)