Tummy Tuck Scar Removal Cream is a clinically proven, organic formula that you can use to minimize the appearance of scars caused by surgery, injury, or stretch marks. This cream will help you heal faster and reduce scar tissue size, leading to a smoother and more attractive appearance.
The secret to this product is its combination of natural ingredients like Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. These ingredients help reduce inflammation and promote healing while also helping to fade any discoloration in your skin.
You can use this cream after your surgery or injury has healed so that you can start feeling confident about the way you look again!
Tummy Tuck Scar Removal Cream
We looked at the active ingredients in popular products and consulted what the research had to say about each. We also culled reviews from people who have used scar ointments and creams to find out what works and what doesn’t.
These products come from trusted manufacturers and contain ingredients that may reduce the appearance of scars.
Our team has vetted each product for business and medical standards.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$40
- $$$ = over $40
Best scar cream overall
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
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- Skin type: all
- Size: 0.7 oz
- Key ingredients: Onion extract contains anti-inflammatory compounds and phenolic antioxidants. Allantoin reduces itching, irritation, and dryness
- Price: $$
Healthline’s review
This scar cream is supposed to work well for any type of scar — including those from burns, cuts, surgery, or acne — whether the scar is new or old.
Reviewers tout the moisturizing, healing properties of the cream and say it’s easy to use. Those with sensitive skin also praise the product.
One thing to note: This scar cream doesn’t contain sunscreen. Since sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars, opt for Mederma +SPF 30 Scar Cream if you’ll be spending time out in the sun with your scars exposed.
Pros & cons
- reduces appearance of old and new scars
- eliminates redness
- improves skin texture
- only has to be applied once a day
- doesn’t reduce the appearance of hypopigmentation
Product details
- Form: gel
- Returns: free returns on unopened products within 45 days
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35
Best scar cream for face
SkinCeuticals Phyto +
4.5 (3+) FROM SKINMEDIX
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- Skin type: dry, normal, oily, combination
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Arbutin glycoside and kojic acid work at lightening heavily pigmented scars. Hyaluronate penetrates skin and provides moisture. Thyme oil contains thymol, which has anti-inflammatory properties
- Price: $$$
Healthline’s review
This serum’s ingredients help with scarring and discoloration while also brightening the skin. While the arbutin and kojic acid get to work on the scars, the thyme and cucumber extracts soothe and brighten the skin.
SkinCeuticals says this serum will work well for all skin types. Reviewers say there’s no smell associated with the product. Users should apply one or two drops twice a day and follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Reviewers say it works well for their hands and face.
Pros & cons
- has benefits for both old and new scars
- fragrance-free
- works well for all skin types
- brightens the skin while reducing the appearance of scars and discoloration
- pricey
- recommended to apply twice a day with moisturizer and sunscreen
Product details
- Form: gel
- Returns: returns on unopened items within 30 days
- Shipping: free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)
When to Start Using Scar-reducing Creams
Patients can begin to use scar-reducing creams on the tummy tuck incision site as soon as the incisions have healed over and there are no more scabs. Cream should never be applied to an open wound or over skin that is still scabbed. Once the skin has healed over, the scar should appear very thin. This is the best time to begin using a scar-reducing cream. Beneath the skin, the body is busy producing collagen to help it heal.
How Do Scar-reducing Creams Work?
Scar-reducing creams work to hydrate and moisturize the skin, which will prevent itchiness and flaking. In addition, they help to break up excess collagen formation that can lead to more noticeable scars. Depending on the scar placement, patients may find creams easier to use than silicone sheets, which may not stay in place or have a tendency to fold over and roll up, particularly in the lower stomach/groin area.
What Are the Best Application Methods for Scar-reducing Creams?
The cream should be thoroughly rubbed into the tummy tuck scars. Some scar-reducing creams are designed to dry on the skin and flake off. ScarGuard is a good example of this type of scar treatment. Others, such as Mederma, are more like a thick skin lotion.
Massaging the area around the scars at the same time as applying the cream will help to further break up any excess collagen under the skin. Use small, gentle, circular motions, taking care not to pull too hard at the scar itself.
If patients plan on wearing clothing that may expose the scars (such as a bikini bathing suit), they should opt for a cream with a sun block to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. With hyperpigmentation, the scar becomes noticeably darker than the surrounding skin.
If the scars do not fade, or start to feel thicker lumpy, schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Pin. He may suggest other options, such as silicone sheeting or laser treatment to break up the excess collagen and reduce the appearance of thick, red, or raised scars.
What you can do if you still experience scarring
Your scar will be mostly healed after about 12 weeks, but it can take up to a year for it to fully heal. You may want to wait until it has healed to decide if you want to undergo any surgical procedures that will minimize its appearance.
These methods won’t be able to completely remove the scar, but they can help to improve its size, color, and texture.
Steroid applications and injections
You may choose to use steroid applications or injections to get rid of raised, thick, or red scars. These treatments may be used at the time of surgery for scar prevention or four weeks after surgery for correction.
The cost will depend on the size and severity of the scar. It’s usually a few hundred dollars per treatment.
Laser treatment
Laser treatments are also available. Vascular lasers collapse the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the skin that cause redness. Laser surfacing is one of the best options to improve the texture and color of scars. This technology can resurface the skin. Scarred skin is replaced with healthy collagen which improves the overall texture and color.
Check with your doctor to see how long you should wait before beginning laser treatment. Laser treatments are expensive. If you go with this treatment, you’ll likely need two or more sessions over the course of a few months.
Surgical scar revision
Scar revision surgery is an option if you want your scar to be closer in tone and texture to your normal skin. Your doctor may use a combination of topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical revision. You’ll still be able to see the scar, but it will be less noticeable.
As with laser treatment, you should check with your doctor to see how long you should wait after your tummy tuck to have scar revision surgery. They may advise you to wait at least a year so you can see how your scar has healed over time first.
Costs for this procedure vary.
Punch grafts
Punch grafting is a technique where a small hole is made in skin using a small tool. The scar is removed and replaced with new skin from another place on your body, usually from behind your ear. You will still have a scar, but it will be smoother and less noticeable.
Tummy Tuck Scar Healing Stages
A tummy tuck scar will generally first appear as very fine and white in colour straight after surgery (although often not visible due to dressings), before progressing from deep purple, to red, to pink and then slowly fading back to pale purple and then white over 18 months to 2 years. This pattern is a typical scar progression and is why we advise patients not to fixate on the scar while they are still in their recovery period.
Tummy Tuck Scar Removal Cost
The cost of your scar revision surgery depends on where the scar is and how extensive it is. You may need a skin graft if the scar is very severe.
The type of scar is also taken into consideration when determining the price.
You can, however, expect to pay around $500 for a smaller and less noticeable scar. If you need a skin graft for a bigger and more complex scar, you may pay as much as $4,000. This hefty price tag typically includes a skin graft.