Tummy Tuck Scars: Healing Tips and Reduction Strategies
Concerned about tummy tuck scars? Find out how to manage and reduce scarring with proper care. AAS partners with top Korean clinics to provide expert treatment and a smooth recovery experience.
When you lose a lot of weight, and the extra skin becomes a challenge to get rid of, you may consider getting a tummy tuck. But, one of the top concerns for many patients is the appearance of scars it leaves behind.
Understanding the expectations one has and how these scars can be cared for can significantly improve results and satisfaction.
What is a tummy tuck scar?
Tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower stomach surgically. It is also known as abdominoplasty and mainly helps in tightening the excess skin on your abdomen to achieve a slim and firmer abdomen.
People may choose to get tummy tuck surgery to get rid of the fat and skin for reasons like;
Extreme weight loss
Puberty and hormonal changes
Aging and loss of elasticity
Stretched out skin
A tummy tuck scar is a scar that forms in the areas where the skin heals after a tummy tuck procedure. Scars are fibrous tissue that replace normal skin during healing, often inferior to the original tissue and having less function and possibly different color.
Tummy tuck scars are typically thin, pinkish in color or are simply lighter than the skin surrounding the surgery area.
Types of tummy tuck scars
The types of scars you get depends on the type of procedure you’ve gotten but the tummy tuck scars usually occur in three areas that are the belly button, lower abdomen, and pelvic area.
Full Tummy Tuck Scar
A full tummy tuck is designed for patients who have large amounts of excess skin. The scar from this procedure extends from one hip to the other hip and is just below the belly button. Full tummy tuck usually results in the longest scar and takes the longest to heal.
Surgical area
Suture line
Mini Tummy Tuck Scar
Mini tummy tuck results in smaller cuts on the lower abdomen and focuses on a smaller area below the belly button,so the scars resulting from mini tummy tuck are also smaller rather than extending hip to hip.
Surgical area
Suture line
Extended Tummy Tuck Scar
An extended tummy tuck tightens the whole waistline is designed for people who have lost weight and need significant removal of skin. The scar that comes from it stretches from the hips to the back. People who undergo a tummy tuck with lipo to remove excess fat get this scar mostly.
Surgical area
Suture line
Reverse Tummy Tuck Scar
The least common procedure to remove skin and fat is the reverse tummy tuck. It only focuses on the upper part of the body i.e the upper abdomen area. The scars of this procedure are located above the belly button, usually at the folds beneath the breasts to make them less visible. A vertical scar starts from the lower breastbone to the pubic bone.
Surgical area
Suture line
What you need to know about tummy tuck scars before your procedure
All scars from a tummy tuck procedure follow a similar healing process. Once it begins, it follows a cycle that involves the following stages of scars:
- Closure
After an incision is made, the skin is broken and becomes red, swollen and raised. Closure is the first stage of this process in which the body releases collagen fibers to close the incision and fill the gaps of the wound. It lasts from about one to six weeks and is the most vulnerable stage. At the end of this phase the redness begins to fade, but the scar is still visible.
- Establishment
In the second stage of scar healing, the body starts building stronger collagen fibers over time that enhances wound protection. Increased blood supply around scarred areas causes scars to darken and thicken, taking three to six months to complete. Tummy tuck scars after 6 months soften and blend with the original skin tone.
- Maturity
When enough collagen fibers are formed and blood supply is decreased around the scar, the tummy tuck scar reaches maturity. It becomes thinner, lighter and less noticeable This process may take one to two years. Tummy tuck before and after scar photos can be seen to understand the healing process of scars.
Male tummy tuck before and after images reveal a similar scar healing process, though they may place the scar lower on the stomach to suit the male body.
Recovery Process
- Initial post-operative care
Drainage tubes are inserted under the skin so that the excess fluid is eliminated from the surgical site after the surgery. A compression garment is advised to be worn by the patient for 6-8 weeks to improve blood circulation. These also help in reducing the swelling and supporting the healing tissues around the scars.
- The role of rest and limited activity in healing.
Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or stretching during the first few weeks to avoid stress on the incision area. Light walking promotes circulation and helps in the healing process of the scar.
- Long-term scar appearance
The tummy tuck scar appears firm, bumpy and uneven during the early healing phase but It flattens and blends in with the surrounding skin over time and becomes smooth to the touch. Some individuals may have a slight texture difference in the scarred area.
Incise in accordance with personal symptoms
Tighten the extended abdominal wall
Tighten the rest of the skin and suture
Finish without noticeable scar
Strategies to reduce tummy tuck scars
Several treatments are available to enhance the appearance of your scars. Tummy tuck scar revision and tummy tuck scar removal options can help reduce the visibility of scars if they are too prominent.
Getting proper treatment in the early stages is important to reduce scar severity, making scar prevention easier than removing it after. Seeking a doctor is recommended for proper wound care.
Before the wound heals,
Keep the wound clean and covered.
Apply Neosporin to the wound.
Take vitamin A which helps in wound healing.
Stop smoking months before the surgery to help the wound heal.
After the wound heals,
Moisturize the scar regularly to keep it moist and clean.
Avoid picking at your scabs.
Massage the scar to minimize the buildup of scar tissue and speed up the healing process.
Use silicone scar healing sheets and gels to reduce discoloration of scars.
Apply topical creams that help with fading the scars and avoid corticosteroids as they can slow down wound healing.
Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin in skin which improves the appearance of the scars.
Consider laser therapy to reduce scar redness and smooth out the texture of it.
Choose AAS
At AAS, we collaborate with the best clinics in Korea that are renowned for their advanced technology, world-class facilities, and skilled surgeons who ensure that every procedure is performed with extreme care and precision.
We are a government-certified agency focusing on providing top-notch services to our clients, from initial consultation to post-op check-ups. We also offer the best hotel accommodations and entertainment opportunities to make your stay in Korea fun.
Our clients are celebrities, executives, and affluent individuals from around the globe who seek the highest standards in aesthetic care and want their dream procedures.
Our mission is to ensure informed, confident, and satisfied patients, aiming for minimal stress and maximum results.
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