Can an unsymmetrical extended Tummy Tuck scar be easily corrected? (photo)

Question

I'm 8 weeks po ETT. I'm unhappy my scar is at least an inch higher and a different shape on my right side. How difficult is this to correct? Can only one side be corrected? How is it done? Thank you!

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

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 LisaM322,
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

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

These issues are fairly common with tummy tucks and can be addressed by taking more skin out etc.. to even things up. Usually done with local anesthetic in small procedure in the office.

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