Is there a way to prevent keloid scaring? Interested in a tummy tuck. (photo)

Dear bebebeasley,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in multiple 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

It can never be stated with assurance whether an abnormal scar will develop in a specific clinical environment. One can identify wounds and individuals that have a greater likelihood of abnormal scarring, but nothing is 100% predictive. Similarly, no treatment regimen can guarantee that abnormal scars will not recur after treatment. Keloids are an abnormal scar response in some individuals and cannot be avoided. Consult with a board certified PS via email or Skype to determine if your keloid can be excised, injected with steroids, or irradiated.

Hello,Keloids are exuberant scars that out grow the base of the wound after surgery or an injury. They are more likely to form in certain areas such as the earlobe, shoulder, sternum and back as well as in some individuals who are prone to them.In surgery we take care to minimize the likelihood of forming a keloid scar by taking care to avoid tension on wounds, by treating scars with silicone sheeting or gels, and by closely assessing the areas to determine if steroid injections  are indicated.  In tummy tuck surgery, the area above the mons pubis is under the most tension and thus most at risk for hypertrophic(thickened) scarring which is less severe than a keloid. When these areas are handled carefully by the surgeon to avoid excessive tension and are treated properly post-surgically, the incidence of scar hypertrophy is very low.  Warm regards,Dr. Pedy Ganchi                                                                                                      Village Plastic Surgery

How you scar in one part of your body does not predict how you'll scar elsewhere. Yes, there are excellent ways to help scarring after surgery. 

There are techniques that are used during the tummy tuck to minimize scarring. Many of our patients have also used the Embrace Scar Therapy system to help with this. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.