What is the best way to remove/reduce vertical scar from laparoscopic surgery? (Photos)

Thank you for sharing your photo and story. It’s very understandable to feel self-conscious about a scar, especially when it’s in a visible location like just below the belly button. At 8 months out, scars are usually in their “mature” phase, meaning the initial rapid improvements have slowed down, but there are still several options that can help refine the appearance further.

Laser treatments: Fractional lasers (such as Fraxel or CO₂) or vascular lasers can soften and smooth the scar, reduce redness, and help it blend better with the surrounding skin.

Microneedling or RF microneedling: These stimulate collagen remodeling, which can improve texture and flatten raised areas.

Scar revision surgery: In some cases, a plastic surgeon or dermatologist can re-excise and re-suture the scar in a more concealed or cosmetically favorable way, often leaving a thinner line.

Camouflage and medical tattooing: If texture is already good but color mismatch is bothersome, scar camouflage techniques can blend the scar into the surrounding skin tone.

Topical/ongoing care: Continuing with silicone sheets or gels may still provide subtle benefits, but at this stage, procedural treatments are typically more effective.

The good news is that your scar appears relatively flat and not severely thickened, which makes it a good candidate for these cosmetic interventions. While complete removal isn’t possible, noticeable improvement in both color and texture is achievable.

In the photos, the scar appears elevated and hypopigmented. So, first order of business would be to flatten the scar. This can usually be easily accomplished via intralesional injection of an anti-inflammatory agent, such as triamcinolone in an appropriately chosen concentration and amount.
Once the scar is flattened, mechanical microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) can be performed accompanied by the application of topical Rx pigment promoting agents can be performed to help to blend better the color of the scar with the surrounding normal skin.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.