When Can I Stop Worrying About my Tummy Tuck Scar Stretching and Widening?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op from a full scar revision. I had skin undermined up to my belly button and had my scar lowered by two inches. I am swollen and very tight. I am so worried about standing up straight too soon and putting tension on the scar. I had the revision to lower the scar but also because after 5 years it was still red and wide so this is why I am fretting about the same thing happening to me again. Is there a timeframe when the scar can no longer widen or is it different for everyone?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It may take several months for a #tummytuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen . It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard , Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not
unusual for patients who’ve had adverse scarring in the past to worry about
unattractive incisions following revisional surgery.These unattractive scars occur for a variety
of reasons.In some cases they’re
related to the patients biologic healing capacity, while in some other cases it’s
related to mechanical factors such as high tension wound closure.Several steps can be taken to minimize the
spread of scars following this type of procedure.Anything that decreases the tension on the
wound closure can help minimize scar spread.For this reason, we utilize steristrips, silastic sheeting and mircopore
tape for 6-8 weeks following surgery.At
two months the wound has healed and regained most of its tensile strength.At three weeks it’s probably
reasonable to straighten your back and walk in an upright position.It’s important to realize that each patients
wound healing characteristics are unique and for this reason port-operative
care needs to be individualized.In most
cases wounds have regained most of their strength in 6-8 weeks, but it’s also
important to realize that the wound healing process continues for a year.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The results of your revision may be influenced by the amount of tension on the scar and your genetics. Keep a close eye on your scars to prevent recurrence. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to advise you precisely, but generally speaking it's best to “take it easy” for 6 to 8 weeks after the type of surgery you have had performed. Of course, the appearance of the scar will generally improve over the course of the first year and even subsequently.

	 Best wishes.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

The healing process is a year long event.  Don't worry.  After three weeks you should be standing straight.  Start using a scar cream, Vit E and Cocoa Butter massaged into the scars consistently twice a day.  If redness persists i will often use a pulse dye laser to aid in maturation.  Scar tapes can help too.  Good Luck

When Can I Stop Worrying About my Tummy Tuck Scar Stretching and Widening?

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When Can I Stop Worrying About my Tummy Tuck Scar Stretching and Widening?

Answers (9)

Answer: Concerns about Scars after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Concerns about Scars after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Postop Healing after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Postop Healing after Tummy Tuck

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