3 weeks post TT, does my tummy tuck scar look ok? When will the dark color disappear? (photo)

Hello from Vancouver;
Your abdominoplasty scar is just coming into the peak period when it looks its worst, which we usually consider to be from about 4-8 weeks, spending on the location on the body, your individual scarring characteristics ( genetics, etc), and the amount of stress on the skin ( what we call"tension). Scars gradually thereafter go through change that makes them stronger, so body starts to need less activity to do the "repair" and the process switches from making as much collagen as possible to thinning out the collagen ( and other proteins) and making what remains stronger. As the activity diminishes, so does usually the colour, until eventually the scar fades to pale and soft. This process takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, or even longer, though much of it often happens in the first 6 months. In a tummy tuck scar, the area above your pubis typically takes a lot longer than the groin area.
Patience is a virtue. Your plastic surgeon will help guide you in his or her individual recommendations for "scar management". The possibilities include silicone ointments or pads,  Aloe vera, Vitamind and others, though I have managed my scars for decades with breathable tape, changed usually about weekly.

Best wishes

Benjamin Gelfant MD FRCSC

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your picture. However, you are still very early in your recovery process. It will take a few weeks before all the swelling goes down and for the entire incision to heal. Be patient as the scar itself will begin to fade in a couple of months. If concerns persist, please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination.