What are good healing creams to use after tummy tuck?

After tummy tuck surgery, patients should implement a scar therapy early in their healing process to ensure the best aesthetic result. Because 85% of scar formation occurs in the first 10 weeks, it is best to begin a treatment within this timeframe. You might want to try Embrace Active Scar Defense, which is an active scar device that relieves scar tension. After completing treatment with Embrace, transitioning to a silicone scar gel, such as bioCorneum+, can be beneficial. Consult your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding his or her recommendations for you. Good luck in your recovery!

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.



These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

You can try using either Biocorneum, which is a silicone gel or Embrace which is a silicone tape device. Consult your plastic surgeon for more specific treatments for your specific case.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Thanks for the great question! In my practice we use a scar cream called Biocorneum. It's great because it's silicone based which has been shown to help with scarring. Another benefit is the it has SPF protection in it to help prevent your scars from darkening with exposure to the sun. I have patients begin using it one week after surgery, then for at least 3 months post op. Ideally I would like them to use it for 6-12 months after surgery for optimal scarring. I hope this helps!~Dr. Sieber

Great question.  None of the available cream products have any evidence that they work on improving scar appearance after a tummy tuck.  Embrace scar therapy is the currently the best way to minimize scar appearance after a tummy tuck.  It works by pulling together the two edges of the incision.  It is applied by your plastic surgeon or your can apply it yourself every 7-10 days for about 8 weeks starting week 2 after your tummy tuck.I hope this helps.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

In over 3 decades of practice we have used a lot of different scar treatments. My favorite at this point is called BioCorneum and your surgeon can order it for you.

I have tried almost everything out there on patients over the past 20 years and in my experience I think that a relatively new product called Scar Recovery Gel is the most effective product in minimizing the appearance of scars. It is available without a prescription but usually only available through a physicians office. I will usually recommend it for all patients and have them begin applying it to a new healing scar within a week of surgery. Consult with your plastic surgeon regarding specific instructions for your particular case.Dean Vistnes, M.D.
Vistnes Plastic Surgery San Francisco Bay Area

#realself #drdeanvistnes #tummytuck