Tummy tuck keloid scarring (2.5 years post-op) - Pain and discomfort. What are my options? (photos)

Question

Hoping to get some good advice here..I had a mommy makeover 2.5 years ago. My scar has never been pretty and it just continues to get worse, especially in the area below my belly button. Over the past 2 years I've undergone 5-6 rounds of kenalog and about 5 sessions of laser treatments. My surgeon is recommending against a revision as he said I may scar the same way again. It hurts at times and affects my sleep positions. And so ugly! Even wearing certain clothes is uncomfortable. Help. :(

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nadir Qazi, DO · Answer

We're sorry to hear about your experience with your scar after your mommy makeover. Scarring can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, especially when it affects your daily life and self-confidence.
It's great that you've already undergone several rounds of treatments, including kenalog and laser treatments. However, if you're still experiencing discomfort and have not seen any improvement in your scar's appearance, it may be time to consider other options.
We recommend consulting with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision. They can offer you a more detailed evaluation of your scar and recommend the best course of treatment based on your specific situation.
Scar revision procedures can vary depending on the size and location of the scar, as well as your personal preferences and medical history. Surgical excision, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing are all options that can help improve the appearance of your scar.
It's important to note that no scar revision procedure can completely erase a scar, but they can help improve its appearance and reduce any discomfort you may be experiencing. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.
We hope this information is helpful, and wish you the best of luck in your scar revision journey.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There are multiple options of treatment of keloid scars that include surgical and nonsurgical modalities. Injection of topical corticosteroids, FUX should be the first line measures. Surgical excision, followed with pressure therapy, injection of topical supressors, possibly superficial irradiation, are options to consider if the first line of treatment does not work. You should consult an expert in keloid scars, nationwide. Good luck.

Tummy tuck keloid scarring (2.5 years post-op) - Pain and discomfort. What are my options? (photos)

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Tummy tuck keloid scarring (2.5 years post-op) - Pain and discomfort. What are my options? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.