Are you looking for an aesthetic procedure to improve your appearance? You’re not alone. In reality, 1.6 million cosmetic procedures were carried out in 2016 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
One common type of cosmetic procedure is a tummy tuck, which involves removing excess skin, fat and tissue from the abdomen area. The procedure can also be used for breast augmentation and breast lift procedures, but we’ll focus on tummy tucks here.
After a tummy tuck, patients may experience keloid scars or hypertrophic scars at the incision site. These scars are raised above the surrounding skin and can be red and lumpy in appearance. They can also itch or cause pain when touched due to their sensitivity level being higher than normal skin would be.
The body’s natural response to injury—in this case, the incisions made during surgery—causes keloids and hypertrophic scarring, which are more likely to develop when there is insufficient blood supply present during the procedure (such as when using general anesthesia).
This article discusses hypertrophic tummy tuck scar and how to prevent keloids after tummy tuck.
Keloid Scar After Tummy Tuck
Patients undergoing any surgical procedure, such as a tummy tuck, may rarely develop a reaction known as keloid scarring. Incisions for tummy tuck surgery are typically placed below the swimwear line, which prevents the reaction from being seen. However, keloids may still cause discomfort and irritation.
In addition to being uncomfortable, keloid scarring is often raised, red and darker than the surrounding skin. They are created as a result of excess collagen production following wound healing. For those more prone to the formation of keloids, there are certain steps that may be taken throughout the tummy tuck process to prevent this type of scarring.
Who Gets Keloid Scars and How to Avoid Them
It is impossible to predict with absolute certainty who will get keloids and who won’t. Nonetheless, a patient may be predisposed to this reaction due to a number of circumstances. Darker skinned people and those between the ages of 10 and 30 are more likely to experience keloid scarring. Another important factor is a family history of keloid formation.
To prevent the formation of keloids for those who might be at an increased risk, your surgeon may choose to limit the size of the incision, particularly with the tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures such as an arm lift. They may also limit the amount of external sutures or use removable stitches.
Once the procedure is complete, proper wound care may help prevent keloids from forming. This may include:
- Use of compression garments
- Laser scar treatments
- Proper care of the wound to prevent it from opening
- Silicone gels and gel sheets
- Following recommended skin care regimen
Should keloids form, steroid injections may be used to treat their development. When the damage and scarring are severe, a skin graft may be utilized to replace the unhealthy skin. Once keloids have formed, future procedures will be done with extreme care for preventing keloid development, as patients are more likely to develop keloids if they have had them before.
How To Prevent Keloids After Tummy Tuck
Scarring varies, depending on the extent of the procedure—whether you get a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck. With these points in mind, here are 5 tips for minimizing tummy tuck scars.
1. Follow Post-Op Instructions
You’ll wear a compression garment at virtually all times during the first 2 weeks after your surgery. The garment is extremely important for minimizing scarring because it reduces tension on the incision. Limiting tension on the incision before it is fully healed is the best way to reduce scarring.
2. Apply Silicone Sheets or Gels
A mainstay ingredient for scar healing, medical-grade silicone serves as a barrier, keeps the incision hydrated, and helps prevent the production of too much collagen. Silicone sheets and gels also help reduce tension as the incision heals.
3. Limit Sun Exposure
Tummy tuck incisions are typically made low on the abdomen, so the scar is rarely exposed to direct sunlight. Still, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your scar if you’re wearing a low-cut bikini.
4. Microneedling With Radiofrequency
If you’re self-conscious about the scar after it is fully healed, microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) energy effectively reduces the appearance of scarring. My practice offers Vivace® RF microneedling, which spurs the production of new collagen and tightens the skin.
Microneedling is a technique that creates small injuries in the skin at a uniform depth. Not only do these microinjuries stimulate new collagen, but they also help the skin absorb topical gels more efficiently. Microneedling is great to use even a couple of months after surgery to prevent the scar from thickening over time.
5. Laser Skin Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the best options to improve the texture and color of scars. Laser energy targeting scar tissue replaces it with healthy collagen, improving the skin’s overall texture and color. These procedures usually take about 30 minutes and often involve multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Tummy Tuck Scar Revision Before and After
Keloids After Cosmetic Surgery
Patients pursue cosmetic surgery for many reasons, one of which is to enhance aesthetic features. However, some patients run the risk of developing keloids after surgery. These raised, often painful scars develop as a result of excess collagen production. Often there is no way to determine who is at risk, however, keloids are more likely to form after cosmetic surgery in people with darker skin pigmentation.
Dr. Kenrick Spence of the International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center can perform corrective surgeries to remove keloids after cosmetic surgery, utilizing a combination of treatments including superficial radiation therapy (SRT). Each treatment involves an individualized plan based on the needs of the patient. Dr. Spence and his team provide an in-depth virtual consultation that allows patients to connect with a team of experts on keloid removal and treatment. During a consultation, you are free to address any concerns you may have resulting from your experience with past cosmetic surgeries.
Cosmetic Surgery Revision
Dr. Spence has performed countless cosmetic surgery revisions at the International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center. For most people, cosmetic surgery produces desired outcomes and improves self- confidence. For those who experience the development of keloids after cosmetic surgery, Dr. Spence is available to repair the damage.
Have you noticed keloid scarring forming around a cosmetic surgery incision? It is important to reach out to Dr. Spence and his team right away for a consultation. Patients can easily access treatment at the International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center in Orlando. We welcome out of state and international patients to contact our team with any questions you may have concerning travel and affordability of treatment.
Dr. Spence is accomplished in the revision of cosmetic surgery scars, having held the title of Orlando’s Best Plastic Surgeon for six consecutive years. In addition to being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, he has received certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
You or a loved one probably has a scar from surgery or trauma because there are over 70 million skin operations performed annually in the United States alone. Life will inevitably leave scars behind, therefore it’s crucial to understand how to care for them.
As a plastic surgeon, I frequently hear questions regarding scars and how to prevent or improve them. I’ve produced a series of four articles in response to the significant interest in this subject to better inform our WD patients about scars and the things that can be done to effectively manage and improve their appearance.
WHAT IS A SCAR?
After surgery or an injury, the normal skin is replaced with a scar consisting of collagen and fibrous tissue. As long as an incision was made during your procedure, it is an inevitable aftereffect of the healing process and cannot be avoided. Certain operations, like liposuction, need very small, barely perceptible incisions. Some require lengthier incisions, such stomach tucks. Although scars might drastically lighten with time, they will always be visible. Occasionally they don’t dissipate, making them more obvious than is ideal. Regarding their capacity to create scars, the majority of persons fall within the “normal” range. This indicates that, given the extent of the damage to the area, the scar reaction is appropriate. In contrast, some persons get hypertrophic or keloid scarring after skin damage.
Hypertrophic Tummy Tuck Scar
A hypertrophic scar is a thick and raised scar in which the excess tissue remains within the boundaries of the original injury. These are more common after traumatic injury such as burns, but can certainly occur after a surgical procedure.
WHAT IS A KELOID SCAR?
A particularly deep and thick scar, known as a keloid, can develop after surgery or injury in people who are at risk. These people have an unregulated scar reaction, which results in an overabundance of collagen and fibrous tissue in the affected area, distorting it and making itchy and occasionally painful. Keloid tissue, in contrast to hypertrophic scars, has a propensity to spread past the initial scar’s confines.
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process following any surgical procedure that cuts into the skin. It is the body’s way of sealing over the incision wound to protect it from further infection or injury. Scars typically naturally disappear over time until they are practically undetectable. Tea tree oil and silicone sheeting are two treatments that can be used to lessen the visibility of scars. Using foundation makeup that matches the skin tone, the scars can also be concealed.
However, in some cases, patients might experience excessive scarring, in the form of either hypertrophic or keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars will usually be raised and red, but will be confined to the size and shape of the original incision and eventually heal over time. In contrast, keloid scars will not be confined just to the incision site, but can migrate into surrounding skin tissue that was not cut open. Keloids also will not heal over time, but will remain raised, shiny, and thick. Keloids may also be itchy, tender, or painful to the touch.
In the case of tummy tuck procedures, keloid scarring may be particularly troublesome due to the length of the incisions that are needed to perform the procedure. Dr. Paul Pin will use his skill and expertise to prevent keloid scarring as much as possible, but patients should know that there are treatments available should keloid scars develop as the incision sites heal.
What Causes Keloid Scarring
The cause of keloid scarring is still unknown. It is thought that keloids may form because of changes in cellular growth patterns of the skin during the healing process. Although keloids are equally likely to form in either men or women, people with darker skin are somewhat more susceptible. The tendency to develop keloid scars may also be hereditary.
Treating Keloid Scars
There are several methods to treat keloid scars following a tummy tuck procedure. Cortisone injections into the scars every four to six weeks will flatten them out and make them less noticeable. However, the scars will not fade in terms of color.
Silicone sheeting may also help reduce the appearance of keloid scars. The good news in the case of tummy tuck scars is that the sheets can easily be held in place with undergarments.
Finally, some laser treatments may also reduce the appearance of keloid scars. Low level lasers can stimulate healing of the scars. Several treatments maybe required to achieve their desired results.
Fortunately, tummy tuck scars will not be generally noticeable, except perhaps in a bikini. Patients who do develop keloid scars following a tummy tuck procedure have a variety of options available to reduce their appearance when wearing low rise bikinis.
To learn more about keloid scars after tummy tuck, or to find out if you are a candidate for treatment, contact Dr. Pin’s practice today.
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process following any surgical procedure that cuts into the skin. It is the body’s way of sealing over the incision wound to protect it from further infection or injury. In most cases, scars will naturally fade over time until they are almost invisible. There are a number of treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of scars, including tea tree oil or silicone sheeting. The scars can also be hidden with foundation makeup that matches the skin tone.
However, in some cases, patients might experience excessive scarring, in the form of either hypertrophic or keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars will usually be raised and red, but will be confined to the size and shape of the original incision and eventually heal over time. In contrast, keloid scars will not be confined just to the incision site, but can migrate into surrounding skin tissue that was not cut open. Keloids also will not heal over time, but will remain raised, shiny, and thick. Keloids may also be itchy, tender, or painful to the touch.
In the case of tummy tuck procedures, keloid scarring may be particularly troublesome due to the length of the incisions that are needed to perform the procedure. Dr. Paul Pin will use his skill and expertise to prevent keloid scarring as much as possible, but patients should know that there are treatments available should keloid scars develop as the incision sites heal.
ABDOMINAL KELOIDS – GENERAL INFORMATION:
As opposed to the chest and shoulder areas, the abdominal skin is not a common area for keloid formation. About 2% of all keloid patients have some form of keloidal involvement in their abdominal skin. These keloids often develop after surgery or piecing. Umbilical keloids appear to be gender-specific and seen almost exclusively in women.
In individuals with keloid condition, the umbilical area is a frequent location for piercings as well as laparoscopic surgical procedures, both of which can result in the development of keloids. Bulky and tumoral kinds of umbilical keloids are only seen in Black Americans, and the clinical presentation of umbilical keloids is noticeably different in Asian/Caucasians compared to people with black skin.
TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL KELOIDS
Treatment of abdominal keloids, much like other keloids, requires patience and perseverance. Treating keloids is a process and requires several rounds of treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy as well as lasers must be avoided at all cost in treating early stage keloids.
Surgery may be utilized to remove extremely large keloids, but that is done as part of a planned treatment strategy, and not for every patient. The safest method to treat majority of bulky abdominal keloids is cryotherapy. The video below shows application of cryotherapy to a bulky umbilical keloid.
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.
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.
Tummy Tuck Scar Healing Stages
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.
How To Break Up Scar Tissue After Tummy Tuck
Rub the scar
When it comes to managing scars, applying gentle pressure with your finger and rubbing in one direction can be an effective technique. This action helps to break up excess collagen and fibrous tissue that may have formed, ultimately helping to improve the appearance of the scar. For larger scars, using the palm of your hand can cover a greater area and save time in the process.Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in the healing process of wounds. However, when too much collagen is produced during the healing process, it can lead to the formation of raised or thickened scars. By applying gentle pressure and rubbing in one direction, you can help to break up this excess collagen and promote a smoother, more even texture in the scar tissue.Fibrous tissue, on the other hand, is connective tissue made up of collagen fibers that can form in response to injury or trauma. This tissue can contribute to the raised or lumpy appearance of scars. By using the palm of your hand to apply pressure and break up this fibrous tissue, you can help to soften the scar and improve its overall texture.It’s important to note that this technique should be done with caution, especially on sensitive or recently healed scars. Applying too much pressure or rubbing too vigorously can potentially cause further damage to the skin and worsen the appearance of the scar. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before trying any new scar management techniques.
| Benefits of Applying Gentle Pressure to Scars |
|---|
| Breaks up excess collagen |
| Reduces fibrous tissue formation |
| Promotes smoother, more even scar texture |
Overall, applying gentle pressure to scars can be a simple yet effective way to improve their appearance. By breaking up excess collagen and fibrous tissue, you can help to soften the scar and promote a smoother texture. Remember to always be gentle and cautious when applying pressure to scars, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
