All surgeries involve incisions, and these incisions turn into scars over time. With proper care, the scars you get from a tummy tuck can be reduced to a noticeable level. Since tummy tuck scars are a common concern for many of our patients who are considering a tummy tuck, in this article we will cover several points about tummy tuck scars.
How to minimize scarring after a tummy tuck procedure?
Once you have a scar after surgery, you have it for life. Scarred skin will always look different than non-scarred skin, being lighter and smoother.
It may also appear tighter. There are things you can do to make your scars less noticeable. Just remember that the purpose of anything you do is to reduce the appearance of the scar, not to remove it.
- Follow your post-surgery care instructions immediately. Regular care will help your wounds heal properly and faster.
- If you suspect that your wound is infected at any time, tell your doctor right away.
- Start topical treatments as prescribed by your doctor in a timely manner.
- Keep your skin well moisturized by applying moisturizers directly to your scars only after the incisions are closed.
- Do not expose your scars to the sun, as UV exposure can make your scars darker and thicker.
- Avoid irritating products and clothing. Use only products that are gentle on your skin.
What does a tummy tuck scar look like after 6 months?
Six months after a tummy tuck, patients notice a significant improvement in the appearance of the scar and abdominal contour. Over time, the scar will begin to fade and blend in with your natural skin tone. While it may still be visible, ongoing care and treatments can help improve it over time.
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Patients can resume their normal activities at this point and experience an improvement in self-esteem and body image. It is important to maintain and enhance the results after surgery. Abdominal discomfort gradually decreases as the muscles adapt and the healing process progresses.
How long does it take for a tummy tuck scar to heal completely?
The healing process after a tummy tuck is a long one that begins the day after surgery and continues for up to a year. During this process, several changes occur in the shape, length, color, and texture of the skin at the incision site that result in the final appearance of the scar.
Weeks 1 to 4
Immediately after a tummy tuck, patients can expect the incision lines to appear red, raised, and swollen. This is a normal part of the healing process as the body begins to repair the incisions made during surgery.
You can give yourself gentle daily massage to prevent the buildup of scar tissue and keep the skin as soft and flexible as possible. Wear compression garments to reduce tension on the incision while it heals and protect the incision from the sun.
Months 2 to 6
Your tummy tuck scar will look much better at 6 months than it did at 6 weeks. During this secondary phase of healing, your tummy tuck scars will begin to fade and flatten. Although they may still be visible, they will be lighter in color and blend more into the surrounding skin.
Months 7 to 12
One year after a tummy tuck, most people have a somewhat healed tummy tuck scar. The tummy tuck scar will develop from red to pink to a shade similar to the surrounding skin. The scar should be flat and smooth, although it may still be slightly visible.
1st to 5th Year and Up
The tummy tuck scar has finished maturing and may only be visible upon close inspection. With healthy lifestyle habits such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper sun protection, patients can enjoy their more toned body (and their less noticeable scar) for good!
Why is my tummy tuck scar so dark, and how to lighten it?
Collagen is constantly building up at the site of the wound, protecting and strengthening the injured area. To support its formation, blood flow to the area increases. This causes the new scar to become darker, thicker, and more prominent than the normal skin.
There are a few steps you can take to lighten your tummy tuck scar:
1.Try vitamin E oil and a little massage.
2. Apply sunscreen to the scar.
3. Use compression products and silicone.
4. Consider dermabrasion or laser.
5. Consider steroids for thick scars.
6. Last resort: surgical scar correction.
Best scar treatment options after a tummy tuck
While oral and topical treatments can help soften the color and intensity of a tummy tuck scar, there are other scar treatments to consider. Scar massage can begin several weeks after surgery. This can help soften the scar area and encourage healing.
Steroid injections and laser skin resurfacing can also help reduce scarring. Both can help reduce scar tightness and inflammation.
While this scar will never go away completely, here are some of the most common and effective treatment options to reduce its appearance.
Adhesive tape:
Which protects the incision and reduces tension, applying gentle pressure from the tape to the incision has also been shown to help reduce scarring.
Topical scar concealer creams and lotions:
The simplest and least expensive option is to use a moisturizing cream that contains vitamin E. Some of the more advanced creams contain silicone, and some contain hydroquinone or other skin-lightening agents to suppress the activity of pigment cells.
Laser treatments:
This is when you can start exploring options like lasers to resurface the skin or intense light-based treatments to draw out any pigment from the scar or fade any remaining redness.
Microneedling Collagen Stimulation Treatment:
Microneedling devices use tiny surgical needles to create thousands of micro-injuries to your skin. This in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, leaving it feeling firmer and smoother.
We all have our own dreams that we should strive to achieve, and we all have the ability to achieve our wishes, as long as we continue to believe in ourselves. If you are ready to take the next step in getting a defined and elegant abdomen, please request a consultation or contact us at Medconsulto.
