A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an intensive surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the abdominal area to achieve a more toned appearance.
As with all surgeries, scarring is a common side effect of tummy tucks. The amount and severity of scarring can vary from patient to patient, depending on individual healing abilities, the size and complexity of the procedure, and other factors.
Generally speaking, a tummy tuck’s incision site will be covered by a bandage for the first few days after surgery, then periodically treated with ointments and dressings to help reduce swelling, inflammation, and infection.
Minimizing Scars with Good Healing Habits
Although scarring is an unavoidable side effect of a tummy tuck, there are steps that patients can take to minimize the severity and appearance of scars. Some of these include:
Follow your doctor's post-operative care instructions
Your surgeon is an expert in healing after surgery. Ensure that you are following their instructions carefully, as it’s critical to the healing process. They will recommend specific types of ointments, dressings, and activities that you need to do to promote proper healing.
Keep the wound clean
Proper hygiene is essential to avoid infections and promote healing. Clean the wounded area with mild soap and water, gently pat dry, and apply prescribed ointments.
Keep the wound moist: Use healing creams or lotions to help keep the wound moist, preventing scabbing and promoting healing.
Avoid direct sunlight
Exposure to the sun can cause scars to darken and deepen. When spending time outdoors, keep the wound covered with appropriate clothing, a bandage, or sunblock.
Avoid smoking
If you smoke, consider quitting, or reducing your smoking because smoking can slow down healing, affect tissue oxygenation, and increase scarring.
Maintain a healthy diet
Our skin requires specific vitamins and minerals to heal correctly. Supplement your diet with vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote wound healing.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the skin hydrated and promotes healing.
Avoid scratching or picking at the wound
Touching or picking at a wound can lead to infection, making the scar more noticeable and difficult to treat.
Massage the scar
Massaging the scar with a recommended lotion or cream can help to improve its texture, promote blood flow, and minimize scar appearance.
Use silicone-based products
Silicone-based gels and sheets can help protect, reduce inflammation, and minimize scars’ appearance.
Treatments for Reducing Severity & Appearance of Scars
For patients looking to reduce the appearance of their scars, there are a variety of treatments available.
Commonly used options include silicone gel sheeting for scar flattening and lightening; steroid injections; dermabrasion or laser resurfacing to reduce the appearance of raised scars; and topical creams containing vitamin E, cocoa butter, or silicones for hydration and collagen production.
Pros & Cons of Surgical Scar Revision
Pros of Surgical Scar Revision
Improved Scar Appearance
Surgical scar revision can improve the appearance of scars by making them less noticeable. In some cases, it may be possible to completely remove the scar, depending on the nature of the scar.
Increased Confidence
Scars can affect a person’s confidence, especially if they are located in visible areas. By removing or minimizing the appearance of scars, surgical scar revision can help boost a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Better Functionality
Scars can sometimes impact the functionality of an area of the body, such as a scar on the knee making it difficult to walk. By removing or minimizing the scar, surgical scar revision can help restore functionality.
Cons of Surgical Scar Revision
Risks of Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with surgical scar revision. These risks include infection, scarring, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Cost
Surgical scar revision can be a costly procedure, especially if multiple sessions are required. Insurance may not cover the costs of elective cosmetic procedures.
Need for Recovery Time
After undergoing surgical scar revision, patients will need to take time to rest and recover. This may require time off from work or other activities.
Results May Vary
The amount of improvement in the appearance of scars varies based on a number of factors, including the size and type of scar. It’s important to have realistic expectations for the results of surgical scar revision.
Potential for Additional Scarring
There is a risk of developing additional scarring after surgical scar revision, although this is rare.
Alternative Treatments for Managing Excess Skin or Visible Scars
For mild cases of excess skin or visible scars, alternative treatments may be recommended instead of surgery.
These include cryotherapy (freezing) to reduce the appearance of raised or keloid scars; dermal fillers to replace lost volume and help reduce the appearance of sagging skin; and chemical peels to promote new cell growth.
Conclusion
Regardless of the methods used, it’s important to remember that optimal healing takes time, and the results of regaining a flatter, smoother abdominal area may not be seen until several months after surgery.
Following post-operative instructions given by your doctor is essential for obtaining the best possible outcome, so it’s important to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand.
Additionally, staying hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes faster healing.
Overall, scarring is an inevitable outcome of a cosmetic surgery procedures such as tummy tuck but there are steps that can be taken to reduce its visibility. Patients should discuss all options with their doctor before making a decision about which treatment is right for them.
With proper care and good habits, it is possible to achieve beautiful results with minimal scarring.
