8 years post op - How can I make my tummy tuck scar fade? (Photos)

Question

It has been 8 years since I had a tummy tuck. My scar is still dark and red and hasnt changed much in appearance. I doubt at this point it will fade on its own without medical intervention. What option would be most suitable? I am not concerned about shape, i just want it to fade more.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

At 8 years, a tummy tuck scar has usually finished the normal maturation phase, so meaningful fading often requires treatment. From the photo and your description, I would first separate redness, brown pigmentation, thickness, and scar width during an in-person exam, because each responds to different treatments.
If redness is the main issue, vascular laser or IPL may be considered. If the scar is more brown or pigmented, pigment-focused laser treatment, prescription lightening creams, and strict sun protection may help. If there are raised or firm areas, steroid injection, silicone, microneedling, or resurfacing may be options. If the scar is wide or indented, scar revision can create a thinner line in selected cases, but it also creates a new scar and the color can still vary. I would see your plastic surgeon or a dermatologist/plastic surgeon who treats scars with lasers to match the treatment to the scar's color and texture.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear stonebuster1,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You may benefit from a scar revision.  The scar can probably be made finer during the scar revision.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

I think the two most efficient options to address your scarring would be a surgical scar revision or paramedical tattooing. With the scar revision option, your surgeon would cut out only the hyperpigmented segment of the tummy tuck scar and close the incision again. After the skin healed, your surgeon would recommend doing things like scar massage, silicone tape, steroid/5FU injections to reduce the risk of your scar healing like it did the last time.
There are also people who are professionally trained in tattooing scars to make them look as close to the surrounding skin as possible. A lot of patients like that option because it's not another surgery and there's no post-operative recovery period. I'm not sure where you are located, but there is a phenomenal paramedical tattoo artist in Texas called Illusions by Ink.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

About a year after surgery you can consider scar revision if you'd like.  Basically the existing scar would be excised with the hope and intention that the new scar would heal more favorably.  You can begin to use scar treatments once cleared by your surgeon on the new incision.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

8 years post op - How can I make my tummy tuck scar fade? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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