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I typically recommend some form of silicone for 3 months postoperatively for scar management - silicone gel sheeting is best for patients who can tolerate it. In those who cannot, I prescribe a liquid silicone formulation in a pump, for instance scar gel from QMedRx.
Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. I usually recommend non-fragrance lotion or Vitamin E oil. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. These can usually be started at approximately 3-4 weeks postop and when incisions healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. Scars will never disappear, but attempt is made to make the finest scar in a concealed location. Incisions may be revised to lower or conceal better if enough laxity exists. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Each surgeon will have their own preferences aswhat to use to aid scarring following surgery. Here at my clinic I recommend mepiform which is a silicone based sheetingproduct for my patients. Be sure to followyour surgeon’s advice in this regard. Heor she will know from experience what has worked best for previous patients.
Each surgeon will have their own recommendation on which cream is best to use. As always, any recommendation will depend on the patient's situation and skin. Discuss with your doctor which cream is right for you and your skin. I often recommend Dermatix and silicone sheeting.
I feel the best treatment for tummy tuck scars is the use of silicone sheets for three to four months post procedure. Topical treatments are not generally as effective.
