A tummy tuck might just be the best way to help you achieve that flat belly, smoother skin, or even that contoured waist you’ve been searching for. But, like any other surgery, tummy tuck surgeries will involve incisions on your skin. And, the aftermath of these skin incisions is often visible scars, which might water down the great feeling of having that well-toned belly.
But even for a leaner stomach, no one wants those protruding scars as a result. The best results should leave you all satisfied.
So, how do you achieve that? How do you ensure that the surgery doesn’t leave permanent marks on your skin?
Well, we have just the right solution for you here. This article takes a comprehensive look at how the tummy tuck scars occur, where they occur, and how to treat them.
What is a Tummy Tuck Scar?
Simply put, a tummy tuck scar is a scar resulting from a tummy tuck surgery. So, what’s a tummy tuck surgery?
Also known as Abdominoplasty, this is a type of cosmetic surgery designed to make a bulging or saggy belly firmer and thinner. It is practically a procedure to remove excess abdominal fat and skin from your lower and middle abdomen.
Through this procedure, the abdominal wall is able to regain its tight muscles and fascia tissues. Tummy tuck surgery is most common with people experiencing sagging or loose belly tissues, resulting from a major weight loss or pregnancy aftermath.
Main Areas for Tummy Tuck Scar Formation
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Pelvic Region
Whether you’re undergoing a full tummy tuck or a mini one, you’ll always incur a horizontal scar that runs from one hip to the other. This scar usually occurs on your lower belly, just several centimeters beneath the belly button.
This type of tummy scar will vary in length, ranging from several centimeters, for mini tummy tucks, to extensive ones that go well beyond your hips. Also, some of these scars might be located right where the C-section incision occurs.
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Belly Button
A tummy tuck scar occurring on your belly button is usually as a result of a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The resulting scar is particularly visible at first, although it starts to gradually fade with time. This usually happens as the scar starts to blend with the belly button.
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Lower Abdomen
Although not always, a tummy tuck scar can also run vertically from the belly button downwards to meet the horizontal scar. This means that a tummy tuck process will leave more than one scar on your stomach.
So, how do you prevent or get rid of these scars?
Tummy Tuck Scars Prevention
To help ensure that you are not left with bulging scars after your tummy tuck surgery, it would be prudent to follow these tips.
Things to Do Before a Tummy Tuck
Like with any other surgery, you should take your time to ensure that you get the right surgeon for the procedure. Going through different surgeons’ portfolio will help you determine their credibility, experience, and results. Choosing a surgeon with a proven track record is the first step towards a successful tummy tuck.
Remember, successful surgery is only as good as the surgeon performing it.
The next thing you must do is to have an in-depth conversation with the surgeon. Let them explain in detail how the procedure goes, as well as its side effects. Be sure to learn more about the resultant scars during this conversation.
This way, you have a clear picture of the results before you even undertake the procedure. Also, try to understand exactly where the incisions will be made to figure out how the scars will form, especially based on your panty line.
Another thing that might be wise to do is to stop smoking. For at least one and a half months (6 weeks) prior to the tummy tuck, ensure that you’ve completely halted your smoking. This way, you are reducing your chances of incurring complications during the procedure.
Things to Do After the Surgery
What you do after your abdominoplasty will greatly affect the scarring process resulting from that surgery.
Here are some essential guidelines you must follow:
- Don’t resume smoking immediately. Abstain from it for another 6 weeks or so.
- Try walking as soon as you can. It will reduce the chances of blood clots and swelling.
- Don’t engage in sex for at least 3 weeks.
- Eat healthy by including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and liquids in your diet.
- Avoid strenuous activities or heavy weight lifting for the subsequent 6 weeks.
In addition to these guidelines, you should also try the following remedies:
Topical Application of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known to work well on various scars and reduce their visibility. Various studies claim that you have higher chances of eliminating the scar altogether by applying vitamin E on your freshly forming scar.
However, when applying this compound, ensure that you are using 100% pure oil. Spread it over the wound daily for at least several months after the surgery, for better results.
But if the application of vitamin E causes any irritation to your skin, you must cease its use immediately.
Using Sunscreen
New-formed scars usually contain new skin that is more sensitive to sun exposure. For this reason, if you can’t keep your scar away from direct sunlight, ensure you apply sunscreen. This will protect the scar from the negative effects of the sun.
If you don’t, the scar will become darker than the rest of the skin, making it even more visible. So, make sure you apply a sunscreen to the scar for not less than one year subsequent to your tummy tuck.
When you follow this, all you now need to do is keep tabs of the scar’s healing progress, identifying any worrying infection signs.
Some of the signs that might necessitate a doctor’s visit include:
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to pain relievers
- Too much bleeding on the incision wound
- Swelling or redness of the scar
- Continuous discharge from the wound( mostly a yellowish discharge with a nasty smell)
- Fever or chills
Treating Tummy Tuck Scars
Sometimes even with the adherence of all these measures, scarring still occurs. When it does, you shouldn’t worry yourself too much. We have listed some incredible treatment methods you can consider for your scars.
However, first things first! By about 3 months after your surgery, your tummy tuck scars will almost be healed, meaning that you can start planning for their removal. However, some scar treatment methods, especially those involving surgeries, must wait for at least a year for the scar to be fully healed.
Several scar treatment methods can help reduce the appearance of your scars in terms of size, texture, and color.
These methods include:
- Medical Silicone Gel
This is among the most effective yet safe ways of treating almost any type of scars. Advanced medical grade silicone gel by AWDMed tops this list.
The gel works by regenerating skin cells, which helps to diminish the dark coloring of the scar. When applied early enough, it helps to interrupt the scarring process when your wound is healing. The product is also essential in keeping your scar hydrated, preventing cracks due to dry skin.
By applying this silicone gel on your scar, it not only helps to reduce the scar’s prominence but also inhibits itchiness and discomfort during the healing process.
The best thing about AWDMed’s Silicone gel is that it’s proven to be safe, has excellent results, and is easy to use.
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Laser Treatment
This scar treatment method uses laser beams to help treat various types of scars. The laser beams work by triggering collagen production on the scarred area, improving its overall color and texture. Commonly referred to as laser surfacing, this method is one of the most effective scar treatments.
However, you should consult your doctor to determine whether the process is ideal for your skin type. Also, since the treatment is a bit expensive, you need to be prepared well in advance.
Laser treatment will consist of at least two or more treatment sessions within several months.
- Surgical Scar Revision
Here, your doctor will blend a surgical scar revision procedure, topical scar treatments, and minimally invasive techniques. At the end of the procedure, your scars’ appearance will have improved significantly, although they might still be slightly visible.
Always remember to consult with your doctor before the procedure, identify any side effects, and understand the entire process.
- Steroids Injections
If you are not comfortable with surgery or laser treatments, you can also opt for steroid injections. These treatments are quite effective in treating those protruding, thick scars.
Unlike surgical scar revision, steroid treatments can commence even after just four weeks of a tummy tuck.
Conclusion on Tummy Tuck Scars
While a tummy tuck effectively gives you a flatter tummy, and tight, well-toned skin, you should be aware of its effects. Mainly, the procedure leaves you with permanent tummy tuck scars that might sometimes be quite visible.
Before you commit to undergoing this surgery, decide whether the effects are worth the procedure. If yes, go ahead and do it.
But, if you must undergo the procedure or have already done so, you are not condemned to live with the scars. Use the above tummy tuck scars removal methods to reduce your scars into almost-invisible ones.
