Why is my Tummy Tuck Scar So Red?

Question

So it has been six weeks since my mommy makover. My tummy tucks scar is so red and I was wondering if this will improve? I am most concerned about the vertical incision as it is more visible.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for posting the picture - it makes answering the question much more informative for other patients and allows us to give you more specific advice.  As stated by others, scars go through a natural progression.  I always tell patients to expect the scar to change over the first six week - at six to eight weeks, the scar may be the reddest and thickest.  Then, over the next six to 8 weeks the scar will mature and become softer, thinner and less red.  So, you are right at the point where it is expected that the scar is red.  You will be very surprised at how much the scar will improve over the next few months.  Talk to your surgeon about their recommendations, but many easy treatments include massage, placement of paper tape over the scar or silicone sheeting.  

	 

	Good Luck with your recovery.

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

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Looking at your photo, your scar looks as it should 6 weeks after surgery. You appear to be healing well. Scars go through many stages during the healing process. Full scar maturation takes 6-12 months, so there is a long way to go! At around 6 weeks, all scars are at their reddest. After that time, the scar color starts to slowly fade. Things you can do to help improve the final appearance of your scar include protecting it from the sun, performing scar massage, and potentially using silicone gel products. You can discuss all of these options with your plastic surgeon.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

A red scar after a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common occurrence during the healing process. This redness is typically due to increased blood flow to the area as part of the body's natural response to tissue repair. It's also possible that the scar is still in the early stages of healing, and as time passes, it may fade and become less noticeable. However, if you have concerns about the appearance of your scar or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like pain, swelling, or discharge, it's essential to consult with your plastic surgeon for proper evaluation and guidance.

Neal Goldberg, MD · Answer

Scars will actually get redder and firmer for the first 6-8 weeks. They will slowly improve over the following 12 months. This can be helped by sun avoidance and silicone sheeting if you are so inclined.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Don't worry. you are only six weeks after surgery. And based on your photo, it looks like you are healing well. Talk to your plastic surgeon about scar massage therapy. Use sun block and sun screen. Remember, it takes months for scars to mature and fade (6-12 months). Hope this helps.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Full scar maturation such as from a tummy tuck can require up to a year. At around 8 - 12 weeks the redness will start subsiding. The scar that you have (as seen in your helpful photo) is as expected and is not abnormal.

	If you are not already doing so, you may want to inquire of your plastic surgeon about using a scar treating agent like silicone gel or even sheeting as these can help you obtain the best possible scar, everything else being equal.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

All scars go through maturation and remodeling process over a course of one year. Normally immature scars are red (hyperpigmented). During the maturation period, you want to protect the scar, ie. avoid sun. Being exposed to sun will make the scar more red. When you wear a bathing suit (even if the scar is under the bathing suit), make sure that you apply sun screen.

Wilfred Brown, MD · Answer

Scars naturally go through a period of maturation as different types of collagen (a Protein) is deposited in the scar. In addition, new blood vessels are growing into the scar often giving it a reddish color. The scar following a tummy tuck typically looks its worst at about 6 weeks following surgery, then starts to fade. The best methods of promoting good healing of the wound are to avoid exposing the scar to the sun, begin a massage program of the scar (I recommend using cocoa butter), and possibly applying a silicone gel or patch to wound

Why is my Tummy Tuck Scar So Red?

Answers (10)

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