What can I purchase to lighten my tummy tuck scar?

Good Question!Remember most scars will be pink for several months and then begin fading on their own. Fortunately scars improve for 2 years on their own without any treatment. Some people scar better than other people, probably due to genetic factors, and may not require any scar therapy.In general, scar therapy will begin 6 weeks after a tummy tuck. By that time the incision will be very solid.The best scar therapy is silicone sheets, which are sheets of silicone that are applied to the skin. They are thin and have an adhesive that helps them stick to your skin.  It is recommended to use them for at least 8 hours a day. The sheets are re-usable and can last for several months if you take care of them. Don't wear them when you workout or shower. Since the tummy tuck incision is long, you will probably have to purchase a silicone sheet that is especially made for tummy tucks. It will be hard to find a long silicone sheet at the major drug stores. You might be able to find them online or at a plastic surgeon's office. New medical company makes a silicone sheet for tummy tucks. The sheet costs somewhere between $45-60.For quicker healing, you should also keep your scar out of the sun or UV tanning booths for 6 months after surgery.Good Luck!

I recommend Biocorneum scar
gel to my patients. In my experience, a light layer of this gel applied daily
can help significantly improve the appearance of surgical scars. If this does
not provide a strong enough result, there are options such as laser treatments
and even scar revision. Without photos or an examination, it is difficult to
give you a proper recommendation. I recommend discussing these concerns with
your surgeon and inquire as to what he or she recommends to reduce the
appearance of your scars. Best of luck!

Hello,I recommend a product with silicone. Often, the easiest way to do this is to use silicone scar strips. These can be left in place all day/night. All the best!Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question! I recommend Biocorneum, a silicone-based scar gel. Recent studies have shown that the only ingredient that truly helps minimize scar appearance is silicone. I typically recommend using the scar gel for 6 months to 1 year. If you are still unhappy with the scars at that time, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in laser treatments to determine if laser treatment would improve the appearance of your scars. 

Scar tissue takes around 12 months to 'mature' which includes it softening, flattening and fading. There are some techniques that help to speed this process up a little and ensure the best scar possible. Most of these are to soften and or flatten the scar. Silicone tape is useful and should be worn 24/7 once the incision is healed for up to 3 months. It tends to soften and flatten the scar. The pink colour of the scar fades by itself and takes around 12 months. Keeping the scar covered from UV/sun exposure is a good idea during this time. Treat it like baby skin! If there is discolouration of the scar after 12 months sometimes laser treatment can be helpful.

Scars will improve over the course of a year.  There is no one best therapy for scars. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

There are several scar therapy treatments available.  Some include silicone sheeting and scar creams which are available at most drug stores.  Another option is laser treatment to treat the pigmentation of the scar.  Talk to your plastic surgeon to determine what is best for you.

Thank you for your question. There are different options for scar therapy treatment. It will depend on how your scar looks like. You can use silicone based cream, silicone scar sheets and theres also laser treatment. I would suggest to contact your surgeon so he can evaluate which is your best option.