Are you thinking of getting a tummy tuck but are worried about the scars? Unfortunately, scarring is a natural result of your body’s healing process, so if you get a surgical procedure, you will undoubtedly see the consequences on your skin.
At Tim Sayed, MD, Plastic Surgery, we understand that you might feel nervous about the scarring. That’s why we want to share all you need to know about this topic. Although scars are inevitable, the good news is that they eventually fade away, different treatments are available to smooth their appearance and texture, and a skilled plastic surgeon can minimize their appearance with optimal placement and incision techniques.
What Will the Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?
Tummy tuck surgery will leave you with a gently curving horizontal scar along your lower belly, slightly above the pubic bone. Its extension depends on the specific technique used, but it usually spans from hip to hip or is somewhat shorter.
Your scar will start to fade away approximately six months after the procedure, acquiring a soft brown or pink shade. You can expect an average time of eight to twelve months for the wound to heal entirely. However, this time and the severity of the scar varies from patient to patient, as several factors influence this physiological process, including:
- Your skin type
- The surgical technique
- Whether you follow your post-op instructions
- Post-operative complications
Is There Anything I Can Do to Make My Tummy Tuck Scars Less Noticeable?
Although scarring is an inevitable consequence of this procedure, there are some aspects you can consider before and after a tummy tuck to improve its appearance dramatically:
- Choose an expert plastic surgeon. Modern approaches are more conservative and tend to obtain better post-op results, so it is crucial to choose a surgeon who stays on top of the latest surgical trends.
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol in excess. This instruction is common to all surgical procedures. Cigarettes interfere in the healing process, and excessive drinking can dry out your skin – two factors that contribute to permanent scarring.
- Keep your incisions clean and dressed. Taking care of your wounds is vital to prevent infection and post-op complications.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to the scar tissue. Sun is one of your worst enemies when healing from surgical procedures. Intense sun exposure can discolor scar tissue and make it even more noticeable over time.
- Follow aftercare instructions. Dr. Sayed will give you specific recommendations, like massaging the area with a cream or applying a prescribed topical gel in the wound, that are crucial to speeding up the healing process.
- Consider localized treatments post-surgery. If you are still unhappy with how your scar looks after some time, you can always ask about treatment alternatives. Many non or minimally-invasive procedures can improve your scar’s appearance.
Still Have Some Doubts About Tummy Tuck Scarring?
If you have any questions about scarring or any other aspect of this treatment, you can visit Dr. Sayed in either of his two locations: Newport Beach & La Jolla, CA. Please call us at (858) 247-2933 or fill out the online form, and our front-office team will schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience!
