2 years post Tummy Tuck with an ugly scar. Would a revision help its appearance or do you recommend other methods? (photos)

Question

I had a TT done nearly 2yrs ago has left me with ugly scar. its be better off having the procedure again or there are methods .

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

you appear to have ares of scar widening and hyper pigmentation.  This can happen if there was something wrong with the healing process (too much tension? infection? ...) however given that the entire scar seems like that, I would suspect that you may be one of those unfortunate people who always heal with a widened and hypertrophic scar.  If you wish to undergo a revision, it may help.  If your scar turns out the same way again, they you know that unfortunately there's not much that can be done.  Additionally, your scars is very visible because of the discolouration.... laser to lighten the pigment may be helpful in making the scar less obvious

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. Yes, a scar revision will help you greatly. Please seek several consultations from board-certified plastic surgery.Good luck.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Michael B. Tantillo, MD · Answer

Two years is a very reasonable time to consider scar revision.  The Catch-22 of tummy tuck is that patient and surgeon alike want the abdomen tight but tension on a healing can cause the scar to be unfavorable.  If there would be minimal tension on a revised scar, then it makes sense to revise and expect an improved scar.  Assessing the tension on a revised scar can only be done by physical examination.  Now is a reasonable time to return to your surgeon to discuss scar revision.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

YES ! scar revision is indicated for improved appearances. Seek IN PERSON opinions from boarded PSs in your city.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Assuming there is enough laxity above and below the wide scars, scar revision will likely provide you with the best improvement. Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It would be helpful to know some additional information, in particular if there were any wound healing problems (as in separation) which could have been contributing causes. The scar looks to be wide, but not elevated, so things like kenalog injections are unlikely to help, and could indeed make things worse. Although I would not hesitate to try silicone based scar cream, it is not too likely to help this far out from surgery.I do think that scar revision offers the best chance of improvement.  After two years the incision can be closed with far less tension, so an improvement seems very likely. Thanks for your question and photos, all the best.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Based on your photograph a scar revision may well improve the widened and pigmented scar that you have.As others have stated however it is important that you have excess loose skin before this is done.If your abdominal skin is very tight once the scars removed the incision could open up further and require closure under tension.  Increased tension at closure is the most common cause of widened scars.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

Your scar appears to have areas of widening and increased pigment (hyperpigmentation).  There are a small percentage of patients who have a genetic tendency to form "bad" scars.  Other times, conditions like a wound infection or too much tension on an incision can cause scars to heal poorly.As long as there is enough loose skin above and below the scar, then a scar revision is worthwhile.  Laser treatment and steroid injections are unlikely to make your scar much better.  You might consider using a skin bleaching cream (hydroquinone) to help reduce the hyperpigmentation.  The bleaching cream has to be used twice a day for several months.  It may not help, but there is very little down side to using it.  It would also be worthwhile to use it after any scar revision to help prevent the hyperpigmentation for happening again.

2 years post Tummy Tuck with an ugly scar. Would a revision help its appearance or do you recommend other methods? (photos)

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

How much would a Tummy Tuck cost with a muscle repair?

Can skin be too tight after tummy tuck?

How long will it take for my incision to close? I'm 1 month post op after tummy tuck (Photo)

My umbilical hernia returned after Abdominoplasty. Will repair result in satisfactory appearance? (photos)

Being pregnant after a tummy tuck. Could my scar open if I gain too much weight?

How long do u need to wait to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS