What Can You Do to Fade Tummy Tuck Scars?

One of the most common questions plastic surgery patients have is whether the procedure they’ve chosen will cause scars. While every incision leaves some sort of scar, their main concern is actually whether the surgery will result in very visibly pronounced and embarrassing scars. This worry is an important thing to discuss with a plastic surgeon during your consultation when you’re going over aspects of recovery and aftercare. Most of the time, scars from a procedure, such as a tummy tuck, are made with concealment in mind, so they are positioned where they will not be seen—even in swimwear—and are not that noticeable even if visible. Many patients find that they don’t even remember that their scars exist. Still, as it’s necessary to make incisions during tummy tuck surgery, there’s no way to avoid them completely. Fortunately, however, if you are having a tummy tuck, the Los Angeles-area Cosmetic Surgery Institute physicians assure patients that there are plenty of ways for patients to reduce any visible scarring that does result from a procedure.

The type of incision used varies depending on whether you have a traditional tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck. Although the scars won’t go away completely, they will usually appear lighter within about 12 weeks and fully heal within a year. The length and visibility of the marks vary and are affected by factors such as age, race, genetics, the size and depth of the incision, and how quickly a patient’s skin heals.

What you do while preparing for the tummy tuck and during recovery can also have a significant impact. Here’s what patients can do to help heal properly and minimize scarring after recovering from a tummy tuck—even if the appearance of the scars still bothers them after they have healed.

Talk to the Surgeon Beforehand

If you’re worried about scarring, bring up any questions you have while you’re talking to your surgeon. They can help you have a much clearer understanding of what the scars will look like and where they will be located on your abdomen.

If You Smoke, Quit Before Having Surgery

You’ve heard it a million times before: Smoking is bad for your health and appearance. It also has a negative impact on plastic surgery, as the nicotine restricts blood flow to the tissues, meaning that they get less oxygen, hampering ideal healing conditions. Smoking during the weeks prior to surgery can lead to a longer recovery and increases the risk of complications such as loss of skin on the stomach, infections, a painful recuperation, and thick, widened scars. Refrain from smoking for as long as possible after the tummy tuck, as well.

Check for Signs of Infection

If you have symptoms such as excessive bleeding along the incision and severe pain, contact your doctor.

Watch Your Diet

Before having a tummy tuck, try to increase your protein intake with meat or plant-based options such as soy products, as they enhance your skin’s ability to heal. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine after surgery, include more fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, and try to stay well-hydrated as much as possible by taking in lots of liquids.

Follow Aftercare Advice

Your surgeon will give you specific advice on proper wound care, including techniques for avoiding infections by keeping the skin clean. Don’t apply ointments or creams to your skin that aren’t recommended.

Limit Exposure to Sunlight

Fresh scars have a different reaction to sunlight compared to the rest of the skin and can become darker if you aren’t careful. Avoid exposing your incisions to sunlight as much as you can while they’re healing by staying out of the sun, wearing clothes to cover the skin, and applying sunscreen on your scar when the surgeon says it’s safe to do so.

Tummy tucks can remove unwanted skin and excess fat while repairing the core muscles to give you a more balanced and proportional physique. For more details on the benefits of having a tummy tuck, contact Cosmetic Surgery Institute at (760) 837-0364, or submit a contact form to arrange a consultation.