Excess skin and hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. Should I consider a revision? (photos)

Question

I’m now at my six month mark after a full TT, muscle repair and lipo to the hips. I’m some what disappointment with the shape and scar.. I understand it’s my own body which resulted in this scar? Can revision be done or is it best to wait and see how it goes. The excess skin/fat, is that just something I need to work on myself? I thought the muscle repair would tighten and give me a flat tummy? Any advice? Just feeling pretty down about it atm. Stats 5ft in height 8stine 6lbs

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it does appear you have a hypertrophic scar.  You can use silicone strips, lasers, or potentially steroid injections to help flatten and lighten it.  After about a year you could consider scar revision.  Your abdominal contours need to be discussed with your surgeon.  The shape could be related to excess visceral fat or potentially failed muscle plication.  Regardless all patients will have some redundant skin when bending forward to allow for normal movement and flexibility.

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry regarding a hypertrophic or thick tummy tuck score. Thank you also for asking about achieving a flat abdomen. There are multiple modalities which can be used to improve your tummy tuck scar. Minimally invasive techniques include micro needling, skin bleaching creams, injection of steroids or 5FU, and even surgical camouflage tattooing. Interventional techniques include surgical scar revision under local anesthesia. I believe since you are six months from your tummy tuck, that you can undergo any of those treatment modalities. 
In regards to getting a tighter abdomen, I would suggest you look carefully at your profile picture. Your abdomen is very flat. I don’t think it can get much tighter. If it could be made tighter,  you would not be able to stand up straight. When people flex ti sit, there is always laxity on the abdomen. This allows us to stand up and sit down.  
I hope my answers help you to understand the potential treatment modalities of your tummy tuck scar. In addition, I hope you understand achieving tightness of your abdomen.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In your age it takes over 12 months for scar to settle and mature. There is still significant time for improvement in your case. Using scar remedies in form of occlusive tapes and gels, will significantly help. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear trickynikky77,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Excess skin and hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. Should I consider a revision? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar maturation after TT

Answer: Scar maturation after TT

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Excess skin and hypertrophic scar after tummy tuck. Should I consider a revision? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Scar maturation after TT

Answer: Scar maturation after TT

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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