Is there a way to remove thick, dark scars post Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck a year ago and the scars from it are still very thick and dark. I’ve tried scar strips and gels, they didn’t help. My surgeon told me it was my fault for being in the sun before surgery. No one warned me that being in the sun would make me scar so bad. The only solution my surgeon offered was injecting a steroid into the scar.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These spots can be improved with a combination of Cosmelan, lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  You can certainly try the steroid injections and silicone sheet compression therapy for a nonsurgical approach towards improvement.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jbird93,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You can try steroids and they should make your scar less prominent. Another option is to get scar revision. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The therapy of choice--that has a more than five decades long track record for efficacy-- for flattening elevated, "proud flesh" (hypertrophic) scars, such as these appear to be, remains intralesional injections of anti-inflammatory agents, such as triamcinolone+/- 5-FU. Relatively expensive, faddish, Johnny-come-lately "bells and whistles" devices, like RF and fraxel lasers may be heavily supported by a whole lot of device manufactuer marketing hype, but, to date, still lack the hard science to support their use, and, as you have already learned, scar gels, creams and strips are of little value. Overexposure to the sun is never really good for a variety of reasons, but, these kind of darkened scars can develop quite commonly after certain surgeries. Make sure to see a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive scar treatment experience, and best of luck.

Is there a way to remove thick, dark scars post Tummy Tuck? (photos)

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