How can a vertical tummy tuck scar be revised? (Photo)

Question

Hello I would really appreciate Some advice and input on my vertical scar. I understand why I have the vertical scar, my horizontal scar is very low and straight and in my opinion looks great. But can the vertical scar be revised? If it can be revised what exactly can be done or what would you do with the vertical scar as my dr? Can it be eliminated completely? I am 13 weeks post op. Thank you in advance!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

While the vertical scar can't be eliminated in its entirety now, sometimes if there is some extra remaining laxity, a portion of it could be excised if a inverted-T approach were to used at the time of scar revision.  Otherwise, you could just excise the wide parts, and re-suture them neatly using a vertical ellipse.However, now is not the time to do that - you are in the "red phase" of scar maturation, around 2-4 months out.  For now, consider using silicone sheeting, and IPL to reduce the redness.  With time, the redness will settle down, leading to a better appearance.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure.  Depending on your goals, revisionary surgery will likely be possible down the line. If the vertical scar is wide, it can be narrowed using scar revision techniques. If you wish to remove the vertical slot altogether, this may be possible as tissue laxity increases. It is possible, that this vertical scar excision may be done in a staged fashion, removing some of it approximately one year down the line. Of course, much will depend on how much tissue laxity is available  along the tummy tuck scar in the longer term. Best wishes; hopefully you'll be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but should you pursue them?  Time will allow your scar to improve in appearance to where you may no longer be concerned about it.  Scar revisions are no guarantee that your scar will be better and from your photos, I do not think you will ever be able to remove it completely.  Your results look great otherwise so try to focus on other things for the next year and then revisit this issue if it is still important.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Dear Taut_tummy,The vertical scar revision is actually quite easy to accomplish.  Since there is very little horizontal tension on the vertical scar, simple excision and closure under local anesthesia will likely be all that is needed.  This can be performed at any time but the ideally most of the swelling from the tummy tuck should be gone.  You can also entertain the idea of using Embrace afterwards to improve the appearance of the scar.  The link below shows one of my patients with a vertical scar.  As you can see the final appearance can be quite good.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Give yourself time to heal, and the scars to mature.  Once they fade out, you may not need a revision.  If you do, the scar revision is usually done in an office setting.  It's too soon to decide.  Best wishes!

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You are only 3 months out. Hopefully this scar will fade away in time and be less evident. I have seen these lighten in color and look like a faint stretch mark.It can always be shortened and pulled slightly down when ready for revision. Looking carefully at your pictures, I think it will be difficult to eliminate it totally.

How can a vertical tummy tuck scar be revised? (Photo)

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