What can I do to improve the appearance of my tummy tuck scar? Concerned with the raised/red area. 10 months post op. (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck in Dec 2021. At 10.5 months post-op, I am 95% thrilled with the results. I have been treating my scar with silicone tape and I also massage the area often. My scar is mostly invisible, except for the area pictured. What can I do to improve the appearance of this section of my scar? I'm particularly concerned with the raised/red area. Thank you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question regarding how to treat the keloid scar from your tummy tuck. I would recommend injections to try to reduce the keloid. TAC intralesional injection is the most widely used treatment for keloid scars, primarily or after surgical excision, alone or in combination with 5-FU, verapamil, and bleomycin. It is considered the gold standard in nonsurgical hypertrophic and keloid scar management.

If that doesn't work, I recommend getting the keloid revised by your surgeon. They should be able to remove JUST the lifted keloid scar.

Good luck and I hope you get the results that you're looking for!

If that doesn't work, I recommend getting the keloid revised by your surgeon. They should be able to remove JUST the lifted keloid scar.

Good luck and I hope you get the results that you're looking for!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
A scar can take up to a full year to mature. Within that time, you will notice it get lighter and thinner as seen by the lateral aspects of your scar. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon about managing the medial aspects of the scar. They may recommend silicone based gels, laser treatment, steroid injections, or even a revision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gorgeous70848,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Based on your photographs you have a hypertrophic scar at the lower abdomen.  There are many ways to treat a thickened scar, including injecting medications into the scar, performing laser on the scar, or surgical revision.  Each surgeon has their own method on how they optimize the scars of their patients.  I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon and seek their advice.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
There are a few options to help with the scar. Microneedling, laser, injections. Reach out to your surgeon for guidance and specific options he or she prefers. Best wishes!

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

He appeared to have a small amount of hypertrophic scarring in the vertical portion at the midline of your abdomen. Sometimes this can be helped with a series of steroid injections as well as with scar massage especially using silicone gel. In some patients, this is not enough and a scar revision is needed. Scar revision is usually possible in the office under local anesthesia

John A. Kotis, DO, FACS, FACOS · Answer

Hi
Thank you for your question and photos. i would recommend using scar gel twice a day, I would recommend you PS injection the area with kenalog steroid injection. if that doesnt seem to help you can recvise the scar by excision and reclosure if the tissue allows. I would suggest you see a board certified PS for further suggestions. Always remember a scar has not fullt matured until a year from your initial surgery. Good luck

Lawrence S. Reed, MD · Answer

There are several possibilities. 
You may ultimately need a scar revision but it is premature now. It takes 1-2 years for the scar to mature. Those scars however, can be treated by the application of silastic sheet dressings that will smooth our the scar. Also, it may respond to injections of steroids to reduce the bulk and the redness. Lasers also play a role in making the scars look better. You may ultimately need a scar revision but it is premature now.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You have a few options to address the portion of your scar that concerns you.  Steroid injections may help to flatten the raised appearance of the scar.  Laser treatments can address the redness.  If you are wanting a thinner scar you can consider scar revision.  Typically this can be performed under local anesthesia in the office surgical suite.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You have several options. Steroid injections help with the thickened raised areas. Laser treatments may also help   Surgical revision may be an option as well. 
Dr. Taranow.

What can I do to improve the appearance of my tummy tuck scar? Concerned with the raised/red area. 10 months post op. (photos)

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