What’s the best cream to use to lighten tummy tuck incision scar? And what about Retin-A?

Question

I’m currently sung embrace on tummy tuck incision but what’s the best cream to use to lighten the scar? And what about Retin-A? Thank you!

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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 Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Silicone sheeting is a good option to promote favorable scar healing, but there are several over the counter options available.  The key is to use the treatments consistently.  Your surgeon can also advise if other treatments would be beneficial to you such as lasers or injections.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is really no way to lighten a scar, it all just depends on your skin type and the way each individual heals. I often recommend Biocorneum and Silagen to my patients and have them apply it to their scars twice a day for up to 6 months post op. It is not uncommon to have laser treatment and microneedling performed to scars as well once they have had the opportunity to heal and are strong enough to handle the treatment. I would recommend reaching out to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discussing some options. Good luck and best wishes!

Noël Blythe Natoli, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with waiting at least four weeks and for the incisions to be completely closed before initiating scar treatment.  Biocorneum is great and easier to manage than silicone sheets,  for best results apply twice a day and use for 12 straight weeks; it does not help to use it longer.  I would not advise to use Retin-A on surgical scars.  Best

Grant A. Fairbanks, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It will depend on how far out you are from your surgery. Silicone gels have been shown to lighten and help with the healing of scars up to 4 months after surgery. Using biocorneum is something I recommend on a consistent basis to all of my patients. Best of luck!

What’s the best cream to use to lighten tummy tuck incision scar? And what about Retin-A?

Answers (6)

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