What scar removal procedure or laser do you recommend for tummy tuck scar on lower back? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck in 2021 and, unfortunately, ripped open my stitches. I had an open wound that healed on it own. However, I now have a big scar that's deep on my lower back.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience. Scarring after wound dehiscence, especially following a procedure like a tummy tuck, can be more pronounced due to the way the skin heals under tension and without surgical closure.

For a deep or wide scar on the lower back, several treatment options may be considered depending on the texture, thickness, color, and how well it has matured:

Fractional CO2 Laser or Erbium Laser Resurfacing – These ablative lasers can improve scar texture and depth by promoting collagen remodeling. They are particularly helpful for hypertrophic or atrophic scars.

Microneedling with or without Radiofrequency (e.g., SkinPen, Morpheus8) – This approach stimulates collagen production and can soften raised scars while improving tone and elasticity.

Steroid Injections (e.g., triamcinolone) – If the scar is raised or keloidal, a series of intralesional steroid injections may help flatten and reduce thickness.

Silicone Gel Sheets or Topical Silicone – Used regularly, these can help with softening and fading scars over time, especially when used in combination with other therapies.

Surgical Scar Revision – In some cases, excising and re-closing the scar in a tension-free manner by a plastic surgeon may offer the best cosmetic result, especially if the scar is wide or uneven.

Each case is unique, so a personalized evaluation would help determine the most effective treatment or combination of treatments to improve your scar's appearance.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

What scar removal procedure or laser do you recommend for tummy tuck scar on lower back? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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What scar removal procedure or laser do you recommend for tummy tuck scar on lower back? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.