Tummy tuck incision problems
We have had excellent results utilizing lasers
Recently we have begun using a variety of lasers for scars in our practice and I have been amazed at the results. Fractional Co2 and fractioanl erbium can improve the texture, while the pulsed dye Yag laser seems to dramatically improve the hyperpigmentation in many patients. (W. Tracy Hankins, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Scars need to mature
Your scars are still pretty fresh and will be more prominent at this time. Take care of them and protect against sun exposure. With time, they’ll fade, but you have to wait for about year for this to happen.
Tummy tuck scar incision problems
Ask your surgeon what treatments you can do to help expedite the healing process. (Michael Constantin Gartner, DO, Paramus Plastic Surgeon)
Wound Discoloration Following Tummy Tuck
Wound healing is a dynamic process that continues for 12-18 months following surgery. During this period, wounds undergo a series of changes which hopefully result in imperceptible scars. It’s not unusual for wounds to discolor during the initial phases of wound healing for a variety of reasons. In most cases a slight reddish discoloration is present which is related to increased blood flow. This is an entirely normal phenomena and is necessary for normal wound healing.
Tummy tuck surgery incision problems
Unfortunately, your case has been complicated by a hematoma. This problem will probably delay your wound healing response, but won’t stop it. At this point in time your wound needs time to heal. It’s important that you discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon. It’s also important to be patient and allow normal healing to take place. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Scarring after tummy tuck
I’m sorry to hear about your problem. It normally takes about a year or even more for stars to mature. Once they have matured they tend to become faint silvery lines. (Jerome Edelstein, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Hyperpigmentation Problem
Tummy tuck incision problems photo
Although 10 weeks seems like a long time when you’re waiting for a scar to heal, it’s a relatively short time when you look at the big picture. The appearance of your scar should continue improving throughout the first year after your surgery, and possibly longer. I know it’s hard to be patient, but just try to have faith in your body’s natural healing process.
In the meantime, be sure to keep protecting your scar from the sunlight, which can actually worsen the hyperpigmentation. You can also ask your surgeon about topical treatments like ScarGuard. If the scar remains very visible after the healing process is fully resolved, you might consider a laser procedure at that point to even out skin tone, but check with your surgeon first. (Frank Campanile, MD, Denver Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Scar: Time heals most post-op wounds and many hyperpigmentation issues
Tummy tuck incision problems image
Scars need time to mature AFTER you are done healing your surgical wounds. Scars will mature for up to a year after surgery. It sounds as if your healing time was prolonged due to number of factors (hematoma formation, skin loss) From your photo, it appears that there may still be healing still going on, which will delay the scar maturation process even longer.
At 10 weeks, I would not be too discouraged. Try to relax. Your tissues need to heal, then recover, then mature. Factors to consider: Continue gentle compression garments (stage II or III). It looks like you have residual swelling, which is perfectly normal at this stage. Scar treatment gels and gel strips (silicone gel sheeting) often help with color and contour. Avoid all UV light, even in a T-Shirt or bathing suit.
UV light can go through a layer of clothes (use sun block, not just sunscreen) Consider laser and/or hydroquinone/steroid combination only after giving your scars more time to heal and mature, and then only after discussion with your surgeon. These are not necessarily beneficial for everyone. (Bryan Criswell, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
