Tummy tuck 2 years ago: Are these scars normal? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 2 years ago. I am so self conscious about my scars. Is this how they should be healing after so long? Can the scar be revised?

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

This kind of scarring is possible after tummy tuck and fortunately is not common. Enough time has past that it would be reasonable to pursue a revision.

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

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Based on your photos, you do have hypertrophic scars.  I would return to your plastic surgeon to discuss options.  There are several scar therapy options or you may want to discuss with your surgeon a surgical scar revision.  I wish you the best of luck.

Jules Feledy, Jr., MD · Answer

Hello. The scars are wide and hyperpigmented, and appear consistent along the length of the lower abdominal regions. It is understood that you would find the scars aesthetically displeasing especially after undergoing the tummy tuck. It is also understood that this may a challenge for your plastic surgeon. The hyperpigmented scars are not permanent, but they can be very, very slow to fade. It is most likely a result of your own healing and skin cell scar and pigment production. Nonetheless, given that the scars are 2 years old, it seems less likely that they will respond to laser therapy, bleaching agents, or silicone strips. It seems beneficial to discuss with your surgeon a plan to excise the scar tissue, either in stages or in one sitting. It is very likely that you will have a improved result as the width of the excision and closure will be 2-3 cm rather than the width of the entire tummy tuck. In this way there will be less tension across the new incision line. I hope this helps. Respectfully, Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surger

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this incision does appear to be slightly wider than we typically see. Without reviewing your  medical records, it's hard to know what may have caused this. To revise a scar of this size, you would most likely need to be put under anesthesia. The recovery would be a bit easier as the muscle would not be involved. In my practice, we advocate for the use of silicone scar strips 6 weeks after surgery. With a revision and focus on postoperative scar treatment, I believe the result can be improved. I would contact your board certified plastic surgeon that performed the procedure to discuss options. I hope this helps answer your question.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I would recommend scar revision to both the belly button and abdominal scar. Any surgeon should warn you that a scar revision comes with risk of hyperpigmentation, widened scar, among other risks, but I believe strongly in my postoperative scar care and believe it is reasonable that you could have a great improvement in your scar.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Terrific922604,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears your scars could be improved.  Scar revision can be performed which would remove the old scar.  Early interventions are encouraged for optimal scar healing.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Eric Maiorino, MD · Answer

This appears to be widening of the lower scar likely from excess tension on the skin in that area. There may be several options to treat it depending on the surrounding skin laxity and what your ultimate goals are (thin scar vs scar lightening, etc) but should follow up with a plastic surgeon for evaluation.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Your scars are wide and somewhat hyperpigmented. It is not uncommon for some patients to heal this way. 
My suggestion is to revise a small portion to see if it heals better. If so, revise the whole incision. 
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

Tummy tuck 2 years ago: Are these scars normal? (photos)

Answers (12)

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