I have a vertical scar from belly button to the top of my pelvic area. Has reopened twice and healed. Can it be removed? (Photo)

Question

My first incision was from an emergency appendix removal. Secondly the incision was reopened again to remove a ovarian cyst. And thirdly from a c section from my daughter. I really just want the best opinion. So please and thanks for your time.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many options for this but nothing will get you full improvement.  revision of scar has risks to reopen and make ti worse. you can use microneedling or fractional lasers or RF to help, medical tattooing would be a good option as well.  Please see a scarring expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photograph.  Though no scar can ever be removed, they often can be exchanged for another.  In your case the best situation would be that you have sufficient laxity of your stomach after pregnancy that the vertical incision can be exchanged for a lower horizontal one that can be covered by your clothing.  Hope this helps.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photograph, you may benefit from an abdominal surgical scar revision.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear iriluv,based on your photo, it looks like your scar can be improved after a revision surgery which should make your scar less visible. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  You probably have lots of options and really need an in person consultation.  If you go to a plastic surgeon, they will probably want to do a revision.  We would probably offer you some laser options.  The problem is that there isn't one answer that works for everyone.  A PS will likely need to make another incision.  We would more thank likely recommend a series of fractional ICON 1540nm or a fractional Co2 laser treatment for significant improvements.  You need to decide if you want invasive or non-invasive and then look for experienced physician with several options.  Best of luck.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

The scar that you have can't be erased so there is no evidence that it was ever there. However, if you ever are a candidate for a tummy tuck, you may be able to have at least part of this removed - the lower section that would be removed as part of the tummy tuck.Scar revision can be considered. At best, it may be able to make the ultimate scar less wide though still present. Consider consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are a candidate for a tummy tuck then the vertical scar can be converted to a lower transverse incision at your pubic region.

I have a vertical scar from belly button to the top of my pelvic area. Has reopened twice and healed. Can it be removed? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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