What Can I Do to Prevent my Tummy Tuck Scar from Widening? (photo)

Question

I have seen some really thin TT scars and some really wide ones? What causes a TT scar to widen?

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

There is such a combination of factors that can contribute to a good or bad scar. Tension on the skin, genetics, surgical technique, and probably to a lesser degree, what you put on the scar after. We'd like to think that there are ways that we can alter a scar after surgery but in reality, there probably isn't..There has been a lot of research in this area...and nothing is definite after surgery.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. In tummy tuck and other lift/tightening surgeries, tension is the enemy. The scar is healing gradually over 12 weeks or so, and until it is strong, it is the weakest link. As there is a great deal of tension in tummy tucks, body lifts, breast lifts, etc., the scar is at high risk of 'stretching' or widening. Silicone sheeting, although having the ability to make a scar flat, does nothing to prevent stretching of the scar. Creams or steroids or lasers also do not have the ability to prevent stretching of the scar. Those are used if scar is thick or dark, but not to reduce the wideness of the scar, which is the main problem. Massage also does not help keep the scar thin, and can actually worsen the scar in the first 12 weeks because you are actually adding tension to the scar. Massage is for softening a hard or thick scar, but if used early, will hasten the scar widening. Only tension reduction has the ability to keep the scar as thin as possible. You may notice in a lot of tummy tuck scars that the center portion of the scar is the widest with the sides toward the hips being the thinnest. This is because the maximum tension is at the center, and least amount on the sides. Embrace removes a lot of the tension by putting more tension on the skin on either side of the incision and drawing the incision together. It is expensive though at about $100 per week for 12 weeks. When patients do not want to spend the money for embrace, I tape the incision trying to remove as much tension as possible for 12 weeks and recommend no stretching back and to sit most of the time, keeping tension off the scar.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	There are many factors involved with how a patient will scar after surgery - you really don't have much control except for making sure you are following your surgeon's recommendations for recovery (not doing too much) and seeing what he/she recommends for scar treatment after things have healed.

	In our office, we use Hybrisil which is a combination of silicone and steroid and patients have been very happy with it.

	Best Wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

This issue best addressed with your chosen Plastic Surgeon. TT scar widening can be decreased by many differing modalities. Scar creams, silicone sheeting, injections, lasers so again ask your surgeon of choice.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

You should discuss options of scar coverage with your surgeon to include silicone sheeting. One company that makes them specifically for abdominoplasty is called Oleeva. Best of luck.

What Can I Do to Prevent my Tummy Tuck Scar from Widening? (photo)

Answers (5)

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