When I consult with patients considering a tummy tuck at my Gilbert practice near Scottsdale, AZ, a primary concern is about the scar that results after the surgery. The first thing to know about tummy tuck scars is that your plastic surgeon’s incision expertise is vital.
When discussing scarring with potential tummy tuck patients, I explain that virtually all the women and men I’ve treated consider abdominoplasty’s transformational results well worth the scar. Scarring varies, depending on the extent of the procedure—whether you get a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck. With these points in mind, here are 5 tips for minimizing tummy tuck scars.
1. Follow Post-Op Instructions
You’ll wear a compression garment at virtually all times during the first 2 weeks after your surgery. The garment is extremely important for minimizing scarring because it reduces tension on the incision. Limiting tension on the incision before it is fully healed is the best way to reduce scarring.
2. Apply Silicone Sheets or Gels
A mainstay ingredient for scar healing, medical-grade silicone serves as a barrier, keeps the incision hydrated, and helps prevent the production of too much collagen. Silicone sheets and gels also help reduce tension as the incision heals.
3. Limit Sun Exposure
Tummy tuck incisions are typically made low on the abdomen, so the scar is rarely exposed to direct sunlight. Still, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your scar if you’re wearing a low-cut bikini.
4. Microneedling With Radiofrequency
If you’re self-conscious about the scar after it is fully healed, microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) energy effectively reduces the appearance of scarring. My practice offers Vivace® RF microneedling, which spurs the production of new collagen and tightens the skin.
Microneedling is a technique that creates small injuries in the skin at a uniform depth. Not only do these microinjuries stimulate new collagen, but they also help the skin absorb topical gels more efficiently. Microneedling is great to use even a couple of months after surgery to prevent the scar from thickening over time.
5. Laser Skin Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the best options to improve the texture and color of scars. Laser energy targeting scar tissue replaces it with healthy collagen, improving the skin’s overall texture and color. These procedures usually take about 30 minutes and often involve multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart.
If you are considering a tummy tuck or are interested in reducing the appearance of an existing tummy tuck scar, contact our plastic surgery practice in Gilbert, AZ. Or call us at (480) 466-7355, and a member of our team will schedule an appointment for you.
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