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

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.


Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

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.