If you’re getting a tummy tuck (aka abdominoplasty), you can expect to have a scar. Even with the most skilled surgeon, anytime we use a scalpel for cosmetic surgery, there will be a scar to some degree.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the visibility of scars. Believe it or not, what you do before your surgery is just as important as what you do while you’re recovering and afterward.
Erasing Tummy Tuck Scars with Laser Treatments
First, let’s talk about tummy tuck scars. Scars from your procedure will vary in shape, size, and how much they fade depending on the patient. Your healing capabilities, genetics, skin tone, and other factors that you can’t control will impact the visibility of your scar.
Where Are Tummy Tuck Scars Located?
Your scar size and location will depend on the type of abdominoplasty you need. Tummy tuck scars are typically located in the lower abdomen, and most doctors will do their best to ensure the scar is hidden under the bikini line. You will typically have a small scar around or in your belly button as well.
Tummy Tuck Scar Shapes
Some aspects of scarring are controllable, and some are not. Every patient will heal differently. This means that the shape and dimensions of tummy tuck scars will vary from patient to patient.
Laser Treatments Can Reduce Tummy Tuck Scars
Laser treatments are available to help reduce the appearance of tummy tuck scars. Vascular lasers collapse the blood vessels on the surface of the skin. These blood vessels are responsible for causing the redness of new scars. Laser resurfacing can improve both the texture and color of scars by stimulating collagen.
If you’re planning to have laser treatment for your tummy tuck 500 scar, check with your plastic surgeon to see how long you should wait. It may require two or more laser treatments over the course of a few months to conceal the scar.
Other Solutions to Reduce Tummy Tuck Scars
What You Can Do Before a Tummy Tuck
Select the Best Orange County Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon
If you want to have the least visible scar, you’ll need to consult with the best tummy tuck plastic surgeons in Orange County. When selecting a surgeon, make sure to look at their portfolio of before and after photos during your consultation and pay close attention to their tummy tuck procedures.
This will give you an idea about their skillset and the scarring you may be able to expect. Make sure to choose someone who is board-certified and has years of experience. You should also make sure your plastic surgeon is someone you are comfortable with. Bedside manner matters just as much as skill!
Discuss Scarring
Before your surgery, talk to your plastic surgeon about scarring. You can and should bring up your specific concerns and determine what your scar will likely look like. Depending on your surgery, you may have a V or U shaped scar. At many advanced practices you can also receive a virtual simulation of what your results and scarring may look like.
Bring the Right Clothing
You may want to bring extra underwear to your consultation so that you’ll have an idea about where the scar will be in relation to your panty line. We also recommend bringing bikini bottoms since after you’re healed from surgery, you’ll definitely want to get back into a bathing suit and show off your new figure.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can prevent your body from healing effectively, which means it can make your scar look a lot worse. If you stop smoking at least six weeks before your scheduled surgery, you can mitigate the risk of a bad scar.
Eat Right
Including a high protein and antioxidant diet would help immensely with wound healing as well. Protein helps to build and repair muscles, skin and other body tissues while food that is rich in antioxidant nutrients, specifically Vitamin C, is an incredibly effective antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
What To Do After Your Tummy Tuck
Follow Instructions
After your procedure, your plastic surgeon and their team will provide you with aftercare instructions. These instructions help you avoid the risk of infection and complications. Because these instructions are designed to help you heal effectively, they will ultimately help your scar heal to the best of its ability.
Some general aftercare guidelines include:
Refraining from smokingFollowing a healthy diet with plenty of liquidsRefraining from lifting heavy items and avoiding strenuous activity Applying topical Vitamin EUsing sunscreenCleaning your incision daily
Surgery Solutions
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision surgery is an option if you would like your scar to appear closer in tone and texture to the rest of your skin. Your surgeon may use a combination of topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical revision techniques. While you will still be able to see the scar, it will be less noticeable.
Similar to laser treatments, you should always discuss how long you should wait after your tummy tuck procedure before having scar revision surgery. You may be advised to wait at least one year so that you can see how your scar has healed first.
Tummy Tuck Orange County, California: Schedule a Consultation Today
Whether you’re hoping to have a tummy tuck procedure done or you are concerned about the scar of a recent tummy tuck, it’s always best to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your options.
Request a complimentary consultation in Orange County today!
