Horizontal abdominal scar revision - Indented and raised? (photo)

Question

Hi, Im 15 years old and have cystic fibrosis. Im about 5'0 and the doctor says im done growing. At birth I had Meconium ileus and a bowel resection. I have a scar right above my belly button going about 5-inches across my stomach that is indented and raised. My mom and I have discussed taking me to a plastic surgeon. I was just wondering if it was possible to make my scar less noticable?

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would recommend you get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who will discuss your options. A scar revision should help.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your enquiry
and kindly enclosing a photograph of your scar.

It would be possible to revise the
scarring by removing the scarring and the underlying adhesions.  The adhesion is where the skin is held down
onto the muscles and pull the scar in.

Some surgeons are reluctant to
perform surgery on people with cystic fibrosis as they can have problems with
their lungs following operation.

I think it would be best to discuss this
fully with your surgeon and also whether it would be possible to correct the
scar under local anaesthetic which reduces the risk of having a general
anaesthetic.

Best wishes.

Tracy Pfeifer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your very articulate question and for providing the photograph.  This scar very likely can be improved.  It is indented as you know.  This is most likely because there is a lack of tissue right underneath the scar, leading to the indentation/depression.  By removing the old scar and sliding some tissue underneath the area and then closing the skin with sutures, this area should be improved.  This is a relatively simple procedure.  A board certified plastic surgeon is well equipped to treat this for you.  The surgery will help improve the contour and the scar quality.  After surgery your plastic surgeon will closely follow the scar to make sure it is healing well.  Sometimes if the scar is becoming thick we sometimes inject it with steroids to keep it flat and on occasion recommend LASER treatments.  An in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon will provide you more specific information. Good luck!Tracy Pfeifer, MD

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Yes, we should be able to improve the scar by revising it and bringing in the local tissue to prevent it from becoming depressed again.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,The scar can be removed and the deeper tissues can closed to prevent the indentation.  This could be done under local or IV sedation.  Recovery should be fairly straightforward.All the best,Dr Remus Repta

Horizontal abdominal scar revision - Indented and raised? (photo)

Answers (5)

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