How can I minimize the scar around my belly button and tummy tuck incision? (photos)

Question

I am 3 months post op from tummy tuck and my scars are raised as in the ring around my belly button. Apart from the silicon strips, which I don't find helpful, what else can I use to flatten and improve the appearance of my scar

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Regarding the potential for a red raised scar please note the following advice that I recommend to my patient in these circumstances:Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the tell tale signs of surgery – namely, scars. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible from your surgery. Patients with scars that are enlarged or not healing well after surgery can be from many causes. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions or improper scar/wound care. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Here are some simple tips.Scar Management tips:1- Minimize tension on the scar – Steri Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar. This minimizes the stress that can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”.2– Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. NEVER apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. This is especially important during the first few weeks. If there are any signs of infection contact your surgeon’s office immediately and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”.3. –Protect your scars from the sun - staying out of the sun is the best advice. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery.4. – Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen,etc). At the present time I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products and if the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.5. – Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected. Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments to treat or prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.#tummytuck#TT#scarmanagement

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Belly button scar revision is tedious and requires meticulous attention to detail. Your scar can be improved in terms of color, thickness, and visibility. Start with application of Plato's Scar Serum to reduce scar thickness, followed by scar revision to reduce the scar visibility.Best, DR. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

I am happy to answer your question.
I find that a variety of different procedures can be used to either remove,
soften, or fade tummy tuck scars. At my surgical facility, I have treated many
patients with tummy tuck scars that have seen great results with a consultation
of steroid injections and laser treatment. Laser will improve the tone and
texture of the scar, given three to four treatments.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like you have some hypertrophy of the scar and this can be treated with silicone sheeting, or even silicone injections.  Best of luck.

Terrence Keaney, MD · Answer

Injections with dilute steroid can flatten raised scars.  Given your darker skin type, there is a possibility of hypopigmentation if the wrong concentration is used.  Fractional laser resurfacing (non-ablative or ablative-depends
on the amount of downtime you can tolerate) can also flatten scars. Please see your local dermatologist for proper scar management. - Dr. Keaney

How can I minimize the scar around my belly button and tummy tuck incision? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment of scar

Answer: Treatment of scar

Answer: Steroid injections for Hypertrophic, Hyperpigmented Scars

Answer: Steroid injections for Hypertrophic, Hyperpigmented Scars

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How can I minimize the scar around my belly button and tummy tuck incision? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment of scar

Answer: Treatment of scar

Answer: Steroid injections for Hypertrophic, Hyperpigmented Scars

Answer: Steroid injections for Hypertrophic, Hyperpigmented Scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.