Tummy Tuck scar too high - what options do I have to fix this? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck two weeks ago and am frustrated bc the scar on the sides is above my hip bones. What options do I have to lower the scar or fix this? Thanks so much.

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Dear Normank79,  Thanks for sharing your photos.  As others have mentioned, it is quite early in the process overall and the stabilized result may not be appreciated for up to 6 months or a year.  The scar is a bit high, but overall the contour you have looks great and it may be that as you are standing straighter and swelling goes down that the scar position will be improved.  If it is still higher than you would like, ask your surgeon to evaluate the possibility of lowering it for you.  In most cases we wouldn't consider that type of revision until closer to a year out.  At that time your skin may have relaxed enough to make the adjustment you desire.  In the meantime follow instructions for recovery and scar management when it is time (typically after 4-6 weeks depending on healing).  You may have to adjust bikini style in the short term but it is possible to achieve a lowered scar position in many cases once everything has recovered.  Good luck!

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

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello dear @normank79 there are several options to diminish the scar through non-surgical treatments to manage a scar process. Technologies: laser, fixer, in other products, substances, compressive attachments. well, you have everything, but the most important thing is to understand that as long as you have the surgery you can make the scar as small as possible, to achieve an adequate esthetic result, first option. the second, you have already had the surgery, keep in mind that the healing process takes from 9 to 12 months and from that perspective you have to take care of yourself and you have to be evaluated by your doctor periodically. Best wishes!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Sometimes the full scar needs to be revised and this just entails surgically removing and restitching the scar.  Sometimes the scar plus the skin needs to be removed and that is a revision tummy tuck.  I suggest posting photos and seeing an expert in revision procedures that combine liposuction/fat removal, skin tightening, body shaping/definition, fat grafting and cellulite improvement. Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear normank79,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tummy Tuck scar too high - what options do I have to fix this? (photos)

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Tummy Tuck scar too high - what options do I have to fix this? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Tummy Tuck / Scar REVISION Lipo / Scar and Indentation After Lipo TT

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Tummy Tuck / Scar REVISION Lipo / Scar and Indentation After Lipo TT

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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