Tummy tuck scars: Can they really go away?

If you are interested in undergoing a tummy tuck, you may have heard all about the after effects. A flatter, tighter tummy, smaller waist, contoured silhouette, and all other perks! But what about the tummy tuck scars? Are they going to fade over time? Let us dig deep into the scar formation after abdominoplasty and give you tips on how to care for them.

Why do I scar?

Scarring after any wound is the body’s way of protecting the skin from further complication. For instance, a tummy tuck scar develops after suturing or closing the incision sites. Skin tissue gets bonded by collagen that seals the skin and protects it from the external environment. During the first few weeks and months, blood supply also increases within the wound to support the scar formation. The increased blood supply makes the tummy tuck scar look dark and intense. Over time, as complete gradual healing progresses, and the blood supply returns to normal, that causes your tummy tuck scar to look faded and thinner. This whole process takes about a year or two to be complete.

What happens if my tummy tuck scars don’t fade?

This situation is a favorite topic in online cosmetic surgery chat groups. In this case, having a visible tummy tuck scar can be caused by the body’s increased production of collagen. Because of this, your scar looks a bit raised and darker in color. These are called keloids, a type of hypertrophic scar that may develop beyond the wound site.

What can I do to prevent a visible tummy tuck scars?

Although there is really no such thing as invisible tummy tuck scar, there are effective ways to make them effectively fade and lighten. Let us give you tips on how to prevent tummy tuck scars  from becoming dark, raised, and visible.

1. Follow your plastic surgeon’s wound care instructions. Observe all prescribed ways to care for your tummy tuck scars fully. Read the checklist of dos and don’ts from your surgeon and strictly adhere to them.
2. Monitor your wound healing to prevent infection. Use sterile bandages and avoid exposure of the tummy tuck scar to prevent wound contamination. Wash your wound properly. Have your regular follow-up with your surgeon so an expert can regularly inspect your wound.
3. Use topical scar creams or ointments. Once scabs appear on the scar, don’t pick at them! Scabbing is a sign that a scar is on its way to healing. A scar cream or lotion usually containing silicone can be applied. Silicone is known to mimic the skin’s protective property so that it would assist in the normal scar formation. Using it would also prevent increased collagen production that causes keloid formation.
4. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin. But don’t apply moisturizer if your tummy tuck scar is still open! Moisturizing a fresh wound will avert the skin from closing correctly and may lengthen your healing time.
5. Avoid sun exposure. Having a suntan may increase the risk of your scar to darken, so keep your tummy tuck scar covered for the time being.
6. Use hypoallergenic products and wear comfortable clothes. Putting on tight-fitting garments or using irritating skincare products or fabrics can easily aggravate your tummy tuck scar. Using skin-friendly, fragrance-free products and wearing loose clothes are ideal for wound healing.