How Can I Treat Discoloration Around my Tummy Tuck Scar?

Depending on your skin type, you may have developed hyperpigmentation of the skin. In this condition, the healing skin may have deposited excessive amounts of melanin. The first course of treatment is typically conservative with observation and time.
In cases where the pigmentation lasts for long periods of time after the initial surgery, the second course of action is typically the administration of hydroquinone topical cream for several months.
The best choice would be to return to your original surgeon and discuss the condition of your scar. He/She is most suited to discuss the scar and provide a treatment plan.

Dear q80simple,

Thank you for reaching out about your concerns regarding the discoloration around your tummy tuck scar. It's not uncommon for scars to undergo changes in color and texture during the healing process, but fortunately, there are options available to help improve their appearance.

Here are some potential treatments to address discoloration around your scar:

Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as pulsed dye laser or fractional laser therapy, can effectively target and reduce the appearance of redness and purple discoloration associated with scars. These treatments work by promoting collagen remodeling and improving skin pigmentation.

Topical Treatments: In addition to contractubex, other topical treatments containing ingredients like silicone gel or vitamin E may help improve scar appearance and reduce discoloration. These products work by hydrating the skin and promoting healing.

Chemical Peels: Certain types of chemical peels, such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, can help exfoliate the skin and improve pigmentation irregularities. However, these treatments should be performed by a qualified skincare professional to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Microneedling: Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates collagen production and can help improve the appearance of scars and discoloration over time.

Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of hypertrophic or keloid scars. These injections should be administered by a qualified healthcare provider.

Before undergoing any treatment, I recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision. They can evaluate your scar and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and skin type.

Best of luck on your journey to scar improvement.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

You can try silicone gel, which is what I usually recommend. You can try this for a while. We have also had a lot of success with micro needling. This is a nonsurgical treatment that can dramatically reduce the appearance of scarring. It is not a laser-based technology, which means that there is no risk of burning or other such complication.

Red scars generally improve with time but may be diminished wihth the use of IPL or laser treatments. It may take a few attempts to find the treatment with the optimal response. In the meantime, ensure that you avoid sun exposure with a high SPF sunscreen/block which can make the scar persitently red.

Even though it has been 3 years, your scar is still probably biologically active.  There is nothing you can do about it except wait.  Scar creams don's work.  Laser energy is converted to heat which will introduce thermal damage to an area trying to recover from surgical damage.

Be patient!

When a scar is purple or red, there is a vascular component which contributes to this color. Because this is far different than brown pigmentation, it must be addressed with lasers vs. topical products. In our practice, we have found the pulsed dye laser (VSTAR from Cynosure) to be an excellent tool to resolve the red/purple colors found with surgical, acne, and traumatic scars. W
e apply the same concept with red stretch marks. There is no downtime with these treatments and very little discomfort. Skin type or skin color is an important factor when determining whether or not someone is a good candidate for this laser and appropriate settings.
Please see below link for more information and photos.

Depending on the exact color of your scars, they may be easily treatable with lasers. Talk to your surgeon to find out which laser will work best. Lasers work by being absorbed into tissue at a particular wavelength of light, so only certain lasers work for each particular color being treated.

Most likely source of "purple" discoloration is low flow blood vessel formation due to inflammatory changes. These do respond very well to laser (pulse dye 585nm) lasers or vascular lasers.
Dark pigment is typically post-inflammatory dischromia from melanocytes and responds to either hydroquinone ( 4-8%) or a broad band or intense pulse laser.
I hope this helps!
Dr. C

Three years is plenty of time for a scar to mature.  Ask your plastic surgeon about laser scar treatments. These procedures use lasers that work to decrease the redness and to help flatten the scar.  It usually take 3-6 treatments but can be very effective. 

Best wishes,

Neil J Zemmel, MD

After 3 years, your tummy tuck scar should have healed and matured sufficiently.
See your plastic surgeon for an evaluation to determine if laser treatments can help the appearance of your scar or the surrounding skin.
Best-
Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS
Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
MIAMI AESTHETIC SURGERY
305-576-3443