Any form of surgery has a high probability of leaving you with scar tissue.
A tummy tuck can leave you with a scar that stretches across your lower abdomen.
This scar can usually be hidden from sight as it will sit just above your pubic area and most likely be covered over by clothes most of the time.
Not all tummy tuck scars can be hidden though.
Some tummy procedures will leave scars running down the middle of your abdomen.
Whatever procedure you choose, a scar will be left. Which is why we have put together this guide around tummy tuck scars.
We’ll discuss how to minimise them, how to treat them and how to speed up the healing process.
A Guide to Tummy Tuck Scars
Like any surgical procedure, tummy tucks leave scars and it’s important to know what to expect from your tummy tuck recovery. Proper care is essential to minimise the visibility of scars and promote optimal healing.
Here’s our guide for abdominoplasty scars, also known as tummy tuck scars:
Follow Postoperative Care Instructions
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for postoperative care.
You must follow these instructions carefully to minimise complications and promote optimal healing.
Adhering to postoperative care guidelines reduces the risk of complications.
Each patient may have unique considerations and factors that influence their healing process.
Postoperative care instructions are often tailored to your needs, taking into account your health, lifestyle and other relevant specific characteristics.
Following postoperative care instructions involves educating how to care for your body during the recovery period.
This knowledge empowers you to actively participate in the healing process and contribute towards better outcomes.
Keep the Incision Area Clean
One of the primary reasons to keep the incision area clean is to prevent infections.
Surgical wounds are vulnerable to bacteria, and contamination can lead to infections.
Infections can delay the healing process and potentially result in more noticeable scars.
A clean environment promotes proper healing.
By keeping the incision area clean, you reduce the risk of complications that could hinder the body’s natural healing processes.
This is particularly important during the initial stages of recovery when the wound is most susceptible to infections and other issues.
Cleanliness helps reduce inflammation and swelling around the incision site.
Inflammation can contribute to prolonging the recovery process and potentially affect the appearance of the scars.
Keeping the area clean aids in minimising these undesirable effects.
Untreated infections or complications in the incision area can lead to secondary issues, such as:
- Tissue damage,
- Increased scarring, or even
- The need for additional medical interventions.
Keeping the incision clean is a proactive measure to prevent these complications from occurring.
Use Recommended Ointments or Creams
Your surgeon may recommend a scar ointment or cream to accelerate healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Ointments and creams help keep the incision site moisturised.
Proper hydration is crucial for wound healing and the formation of healthy, less noticeable scars.
Moisturisation also reduces the risk of scabs or crusts forming over the incision, which can impede healing.
Some products contain ingredients that promote the production of collagen, a key component of the skin’s structure.
Collagen helps in wound healing and can contribute to a more uniform and less noticeable scar.
Scar healing can sometimes be accompanied by itching and discomfort.
The ingredients in recommended ointments or creams can soothe the skin, alleviate itching, and provide relief from discomfort associated with the healing process.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Protect the incision area from direct sunlight for the first few months after surgery.
Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and make scars more noticeable as it causes scars to darken.
The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, making scars more prominent.
Sun exposure can also slow down the healing process of scars.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays may interfere with the normal healing mechanisms of the skin, leading to delayed wound healing and potentially exacerbating the appearance of scars.
Scar tissue is often more sensitive to sunlight than normal skin.
Exposure to UV rays can cause scars to become red, itchy, or even painful.
Protecting the scars from sun exposure helps minimise discomfort and prompt a smoother healing process.
Excessive sun exposure may contribute to the development of hypertrophic scars, which are raised and thicker than normal scars.
Sunlight can worsen the inflammation in scars, leading to an overproduction of collagen and an increased risk of hypertrophic scarring.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to the scarred area.
Choose a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re spending extended periods outdoors.
Wear Compression Garments
Your surgeon may advise you to wear compression garments to support the healing process and reduce swelling.
Compression garments help minimise postoperative swelling by applying gentle pressure to the treated area.
This pressure aids in preventing the accumulation of fluid and reduces the overall swelling, promoting faster healing.
Compression garments enhance blood circulation in the treated area.
Improved blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissues, facilitating the regeneration of healthy skin and minimising scar formation.
Seromas are pockets of fluid that can accumulate after surgery.
Compression garments help prevent the formation of seromas by compressing the tissue and reducing the space available for fluid accumulation.
Continuous pressure from compression garments can help flatten and soften the scar tissue.
This can result in a smoother, less noticeable scar over time.
Attend Follow-up Appointments
Ensure you attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
They will monitor your progress, address any concerns and provide further guidance on scar care.
Surgeons have the expert knowledge to truly determine how your healing process is coming along and also the progress of your tummy tuck scars.
They can be a guiding figure along your healing journey, giving you tips and methods to produce the best outcome on how your scars will look when the incision area finally heals fully.
Do scars from tummy tuck go away?
While scars resulting from a tummy tuck generally do not completely disappear, they can significantly fade and become less noticeable over time with proper care and healing.
The extent of scarring varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as genetics, skin type, and postoperative care.
Following your surgeon’s instructions for wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and using techniques such as the ones we have suggested, will give you the best possible chance when it comes to scar healing.
What does a tummy tuck scar look like?
Here is an image of a post-surgical tummy tuck scar. These scars can fade and reduce as the recovery process is underway.
Guiding you through the tummy tuck scar healing process
Tummy tucks are a common cosmetic procedure that is carried out quite frequently and poses a minimal risk to your overall health.
If you are planning on getting a tummy tuck then we would love to hear from you as we can assist you along your tummy tuck scar healing journey.
We also offer a range of other procedures including liposuction, breast enlargement and breast reduction surgery.
