Scarring post tummy tuck - suggestions to help the scar? (photos)

Question

How bad is this scarring (nearly 6 months post op)? I had a bad recovery due to getting a pulmonary embolism 1 week after tummy tuck, in hospital for 3 weeks and now on blood thinners for the next few months. I’m using E45 cream and silicone sheets but the scar is so ugly and I’m just praying it smoothes out and gets lighter. Scar revision not an option as I am petrified of surgery after what happened to me. Any suggestions to help this scar would be greatly appreciated

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question and the photos. 
Your scar appears to be widened in nature, which can sometimes happen after surgery. However, the final wound healing and the final scar appearance can take up to 1 year. 
For now, I would recommend to continue with silicone scar sheets and scar massage. Scar revision can be performed in the future to help address the issue. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Arturo Valdez, MD · Answer

Hello newperson1994
I am sorry to hear about your pulmonary embolism. That must have been very frightening.
From your photos, you really would need a revision tummy tuck as I can see there are already dog ears and some extra skin and fat. 
Other than that, there may be some slight improvement with IPL, Lasers and continue with the silicone sheets also, easier said than done but, patience, in time that scar will fade.
I am sorry you are experiencing this and hope things improve for you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scars take up to a year or more to mature.  During this time you should notice that the pigmentation will fade and the scar will flatten out.  Silicone strips are a good option.  You can also use lasers later on to lighten the area.  Scar revision is an option if these interventions are not satisfactory.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Newperson1994,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

Scarring post tummy tuck - suggestions to help the scar? (photos)

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Scarring post tummy tuck - suggestions to help the scar? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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