Tummy Tuck Scars

Tummy tuck procedures come with a drawback: scars.

The scars vary from the tummy tuck technique, the extent of your procedure, the surgeon&"39;s experience, and your skin quality and its ability to heal. Ask your surgeon about what methods minimize and smooth out tummy tuck scars.

Location Of The Tummy Tuck Scar

A full abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck will extend from hip to hip in the lower abdominal region. Two more incisions are made: The first is vertical and the second is a circle around the belly button.

A partial abdominoplasty, or mini or lower tummy tuck, will not be as intense at the full tummy tuck, but it will scar. The scar for this tummy tuck procedure is a horizontal line below the belly button and does not include the repositioning of the navel.

Ways to Hide the Tummy Tuck Scars

Your surgeon will advise you on ways to minimize scarring. Below are tips for minimizing scars:

Most full bikinis or swimsuits will hide tummy tuck scars comfortably.
Avoid extremely low-cut garments. Men should discuss with their surgeons concerns they have about being able to go shirtless.
Creams and lotions can lighten the scar and help the healing process go smoothly. Ask your surgeon which ones he or she prefers.
Wearing higher wasted pants will cover the tummy tuck scars.
Putting heat on your scar can help make the redness of the scar lighten. Ask your surgeon when it is OK to do this.
Rubbing aloe or olive oil on the scar can help heal the scar faster and make it become lighter sooner. Your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to use these products.
An interesting technique for hiding scars is a tattoo! If you're not comfortable getting a real tattoo, temporary tattoos are another option.
Laser skin rejuvenation treatments decrease the appearance of the scars, as does microdermabrasion.
Prescribed specialized skin treatments help smooth out the appearance of tummy tuck scars.
Avoid gaining or losing a lot of weight at one time to prevent the skin from getting stretch marks.

Remember!

Before trying scar-minimizing techniques, consult with your tummy tuck surgeon or specialist. Do not self-diagnose and treat because that can cause scars to worsen and might put your health at risk.

Healing of the Tummy Tuck Scar

Immediately after tummy tuck surgery, the scars will look like open wounds that are healing. They will have to stay covered and be cleaned to prevent infection.

Unlike most surgical incisions, abdominoplasty scars will appear to worsen three to six months after surgery. The scars will look very red and might get a little puffy or swollen. However, if you continue to clean the scar and put on doctor-approved cream to reduce the redness, the scar will heal beautifully.

About nine months after the tummy tuck procedure, the incisions will flatten and the redness will lessen.