Tummy tuck scar therapy?
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MommyMakeover0817
- 1 month ago
Doctor Answers 10
It takes about a year to a year and a half for scars to fully flatten, fade, and mature. With that in mind, it is best to intervene early with your scar care. There are a number of scar creams, ointments, etc. designed to improve the appearance of scars. There are various silicone gel applications for scar improvement, however, in our office, we use BioCorneum which is not silicone based. Microneedling is another options for scar improvement.
There are many techniques that different surgeons use to try to optimize the appearance of the scar. I prefer to use Dermabond Prineo for the first 2-3 weeks followed by Embrace scar therapy. This typically results in a very favorable scar. There are however no guarantees, and sometimes unfavorable scarring will occur despite our best efforts. All plastic surgeons have had unfavorable scarring. The truth of the matter is that scarring is probably more patient-dependent than doctor-dependent, although surgical techniques and scar management certainly play a role. Best wishes to you!
We usually recommend scar massage with Biocorneum starting around week 3. We also recommend sun screen starting then even when covered in sun environment. I also recommend night time taping of the scar for the first few months. Massage is recommended for a whole year.
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burn research has shown that pressure garments achieve very good results but be careful of too much pressure in the early postoperative period.Sunblocks are important too as well as massage with a lubricant such as baby oil,cocoa butter etc
The only scar product with clinically proven results is Embrace scar therapy. I incorporate it into all my abdominoplasties. You can find information on line.
Good luck.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa
Learn more: http://www.mosharrafa.com/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty
I usually keep the incision taped or stars-stripped for about 6 weeks. Sometimes I recommend other topical after the tape is removed. Best to ask your surgeon his preference.
Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/abdominoplasty-new-york/
Every surgeon has a different approach for scar therapy after Tummy Tuck. Ultimately, the two most important factors will be how tight the closure was and your inherent scar tendencies.
I usually tape the scar for 2-3 months after surgery. Some patients decide to purchase Embrace, which is a special product that relieves tension off of the incision. I usually have them purchase is separately and start it 2 weeks after surgery.
Learn more: http://www.drnathan.com/tummy-tuck/
I advise my patients not to touch their incisions and keep them dry until the scabs come off which may take weeks. Many patients use silicone sheeting or some variation on their scars after 4 to 6 weeks. As scars mature over months to a year, the quality of the scar usually improves.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA
Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Your plastic surgeon will have his/her preferences; in my practice, I try to keep pressure on the incision with tape for the first few weeks after tummy tuck surgery. The use of silicone-based products (creams or sheeting) are helpful afterwards when it comes to achieving the best scars possible.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm
Tummy Tuck scar therapy will not start until all the sutures are removed. Wearing a good compression garment will help as it puts pressure on the scar. Rubbing the scar in the direction that it is going with vitamin E oil works well as does taking vitamin E by mouth. Discuss scar therapy with your surgeon at your next visit. He will determine what should work best for you.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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