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

Question

I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck, wondering when the scar color will fade? Will it change from dark to red and then to my skin color? Also when can I start massage on the scar? My doctor told me to continue using the dressing for 3 months. Is there any treatment can make the dark pigmentation disappear quicker?

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and congratulations on your abdominoplasty! You are still in the very early post-operative period. It can take up to one year for scar tissue to fully mature and settle; during this time, the scar appearance can change dramatically. Recommendations for scar management will vary from surgeon to surgeon. I generally suggest application of a good petroleum moisturizer (such as Eucerin or Aquaphor) to the scars on a twice daily basis, silicone gel or sheets, scar massage to any areas that are thickened or ropey, and complete avoidance of all UV radiation ( no tanning booths or sun exposure). I also recommend holding off on any final judgments for the first 12 months. You should discuss your concerns with your physician and review his or her scar management protocol. Best of luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You are very early in your recovery. It may take up to a year or even longer for your scar to fade. Talk to your surgeon about silicone sheeting for scar treatment. Good luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
 Thank you for your question and photo. Scars can take up to one year to fully mature and most typically fade with time. I usually tell patients they can start massaging the incision area at around 3 weeks post-surgery to help flatten the scar. However, every surgeon has different post-operative protocols, so be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions. There are silicone products available which can assist in improving the appearance of scars. I'd recommend speaking with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to determine what your options would be for scar management. All the best.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear qxy2014,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes your scar looks like it is healing appropriately.  There are many scar products on the market.  We have had success with Embrace Scar Therapy system.  Scars can take up to one year to mature.  Sometimes using lasers can help the scars fade.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and follow post op advice as he/she is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.You are still  very early in your recovery. The scar with improve with time. Continue to follow your post operative instructions.  I recommend talking with your surgeon about scar management. Best of luck!

Benjamin Gelfant, MD, FRCSC (retired) · Answer

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.