Everything You Need To Know Before Undergoing A Tummy Tuck Scar Revision
Everything You Need To Know Before Undergoing A Tummy Tuck Scar Revision
Everything You Need To Know Before A Tummy Tuck Scar Revision
Are you dissatisfied with the scar left behind after your tummy tuck procedure? You can still enjoy the results of your procedure without baring the noticeable scars. Here's everything you need to know prior to your tummy tuck scar revision.
Keyword(s): tummy tuck scar revision
A tummy tuck might increase your confidence and help you feel more comfortable in your skin. But what happens when you're left with a scar that makes you feel self-conscious?
You can consult a board certified plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck scar revision. Just make sure you're giving your body enough time to heal so that you're as safe as possible.
On average, the healing process takes about 12 weeks. However, some patients experience longer healing times of a year.
But that's just the beginning. Keep reading for more information on the procedures that remove those scars.
Which Type of Scar do You Have?
No two scars are identical, whether they are the result of a tummy tuck or something else. Before having a scar removed, you should know the differences between different types of scarring.
Here are some examples of different scars:
Superficial
A superficial scar is one that doesn't go beyond the top layer of your skin. It's not as noticeable as other scars.
These are the scars that you can sometimes fade with special creams and ointments.
Keloid
Keloids usually form after surgery or an injury. This type of scar usually comes from excess collagen or protein in the skin during the healing process.
When a keloid grows, it is usually bigger than the initial wound. They're typically raised and rigged and darker than the surrounding skin in color.
Hypertrophic
If you have a hypertrophic scar, it's easy to mistake it for a keloid because they look so similar. The main difference between the two is that the scar tissue won't grow outside of the area of the initial wound.
Contracture
Contracture scars cover large areas of the skin. Think of the scarring that's associated with severe burns.
The new scar tissue can tighten the skin that surrounds the wound. And in the most extreme cases, this can cause problems with movement.
Tummy Tuck Scar Revision Procedures
Because there are different types of scars, the method your plastic surgeon uses to remove yours will depend on a few different factors. This includes the size and type of scar you have.
These are some of the scar removal techniques your surgeon can use:
Shave Excision
If you have a raised tummy tuck scar, your doctor might remove it during a shave excision. They will use a surgical shaver to make the surface of your skin smoother.
In the majority of cases, the wound can heal without stitches or sutures. Instead, you will receive a topical treatment like an ointment.
Scar Removal or Modification
This is another method of improving the appearance of a scar that's raised. The scar might be completely removed or modified.
During a removal, an incision is made around the scar tissue and some of your healthy skin. Once it's removed from your body, the wound is closed using sutures.
If a modification is performed, it is probably because the scar is the result of a suture that wasn't closed properly. This procedure involves opening a scar and then closing it with a better suture than before.
Skin Graft or Tissue Expansion
These two procedures are used mostly on large scars, so you probably won't encounter either during a tummy tuck revision. In situations like these, skin is taken from one part of your body and attached to the open wound where the scarring was.
This way, when you heal from the surgery, the skin blends and looks more natural.
Injectibles
If your tummy tuck scar is depressed instead of raised, it's best to inject it with a dermal filler. Although there are different options for injectible such as these, the best fillers for scars are ones that are made mostly from collagen.
When the scar is injected, the scar will rise so that it's aligned with the surface of your healthy skin. This part of the procedure is performed while your doctor shapes the skin on the outside to ensure that the surface flattens properly.
Surface Treatments
If you have a very light or mild scar, a surface treatment can help fade or even remove it. These are some surface treatments you might see recommended:
Chemical Peels
Although there a many at-home chemical peels on the market, they won't be as strong or effective as the peel you receive from your doctor. Chemical peels usually use lactic acids to remove the damaged layers of your skin. This will promote more even healing and smoothness.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments or light therapy is used to remove the damaged skin from your body. But they also help target the blood vessels within a scar to reduce discoloration and redness. During the process, the growth of new skin cells is stimulated.
Dermabrasion
You may already know dermabrasion as a method of refreshing the skin on the face to remove fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. This treatment is an effective way of removing scarring in other areas of the body, including a tummy tuck scar on the abdomen.
Dermabrasion is an exfoliation technique that your doctor will perform with a handheld tool to minimize the appearance of your scar.
Skin Bleaching
Scar tissue is usually darker than the other skin on your body. So, your doctor might add skin bleaching to another technique to improve your results.
Healing and Recovery
Generally speaking, scar revision surgery for a tummy tuck is performed under local anesthesia. However, if the scar is larger than usual, your doctor might choose to use general anesthesia instead.
After surgery, you need to take good care of the treated area to ensure the best healing. For instance, you want to keep it clean, change out bandages as needed, and apply any topical medications your doctor provides.
In most cases, you'll still have the scar after surgery, but it would have faded significantly. The best results can take up to 6 months to appear.
Contact Us
Tummy tuck scar revision surgery is for patients who have a scar that makes them feel uncomfortable and bothered. You are a prime candidate if you're in good health and don't smoke or have any active skin ailments in the area you want to have treated.
To schedule your tummy tuck revision, contact us today!