Will the Thickness of Tummy Tuck Scar Tissue Soften and Become Less Ugly?

This is indeed a hypertrophic scar.  I agree with the other surgeons that time is the best treatment. Often after a year or two a scar like this will become much more acceptable.  I would suggest that steroid tape is easy to use and much less painful than steroid injections, when it works.  You could ask your physician if they have experience with these tapes an find them beneficial.  One brand name is "Cordran Tape," but the brand is unimportant. Enjoy your Tummy Tuck!!

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. 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!

There is no harm in using scar reduction products, such as silicone sheeting, though the best healing "product" is your body. It works to naturally reduce scarring. Redness and a raised texture are normal during the three to six months following your tummy tuck, but both traits begin to subside during the healing process. Your scars will soften and this can take about a year.For hypertrophic scarring, you can consider nonsurgical treatments.