What can I do to minimize the appearance of my tummy tuck scar? 6 months post op (Photos)

Question

I'm exactly 6 months po and while I love my resuls and think my scar is neat , I wish it was lighter at this point. It is still quite red and angry, Ive been using medical grade silicon tape and silicon gel since week 6. What would you advice as next steps to lighten the scar?

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Hi @osadosalosa. Congratulations for your journey and successful recovery. It's very common to have your incisions red during your healing time, you just have 6 months post op and your incisions will need more time to heal completely. Silicone tape or gel are very good in this process I will recommend you to continue using those and after few more months you can get a different scar treatment, do not forget to go to a dermatologist for better options. Hope this helps.
Good luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your pictures. Your tummy tuck has provided an excellent result, and your scar seems thin and not raised, which is a positive outcome.
However, I understand your concern about its appearance. Silicone-based products, which you've already used, are usually the first line of treatment for scars. They create a moisture barrier that helps hydrate the skin and normalize collagen synthesis, improving the scar's appearance over time.
A fractional laser, such as a Fraxel laser, could be considered a second-line treatment. This type of laser works by emitting thousands of tiny laser columns into the skin, stimulating your body's natural healing process and accelerating the production of new, healthy skin cells. It disrupts the scar tissue and can encourage the production of new, healthy collagen, which can improve the scar's appearance.
Typically, a series of treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results, and these can be performed as outpatient procedures in a doctor's office. Please consult your plastic surgeon or a dermatologist specializing in laser treatments to discuss this option.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question! I would look into IPL laser, it works great for reducing the appearance and redness of post-surgical scars. Hope that helps!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! There are certain laser treatments and microneedling that can help the appearance of your scar. Keep in mind that scars will continue to mature for 1-2 years after surgery. Good luck!

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You do have a great result. You are also doing the right thing with scar management.

The short answer to your question is to simply give it more time. In 6 more months it will be entirely different. In the meantime make sure you avoid any significant sun exposure and/or put sunscreen on. continue the silicone and scar massage. Eventually, it will improve and I think it will start very soon. In fact, if you look critically at your scar you will see some areas that are slightly lighter in color. Those areas are maturing faster than the rest of the scar, as is usually the case. In time, those areas will enlarge and new areas of fading will occur. Be patient.

However, you certainly can try some light based therapies, intense pulsed light, laser, etc. They "might" speed things up, but the ultimate result will be exactly the same in time. Always consider the time, cost and risk of these treatments.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear osadosalosa,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Your scar looks excellent and should fade with time.  Continue your current care regimen for now.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

thank you for your pictures.

Your scar and contour on the quite good. It’s natural for the scar to be a bit red at six months. The best option is a tincture of time. I would wait another six months and continue on with your silicone treatments. After year, microneedling may be an appropriate next step.

I hope this helps.

Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
 You can have laser to the scar or micro needling to the scar. This will help to reduce the redness. Talk with your surgeon for his/her recommendation and guidelines . Best wishes!

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question and photos. Regularly, you may need a year to see the final appearance of a scar. Please, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for an in-person exam. You must wait to see the final results. Good luck!

What can I do to minimize the appearance of my tummy tuck scar? 6 months post op (Photos)

Answers (13)

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