With a tummy tuck, you can expect a scar. Because a large amount of skin and tissue is typically removed with the procedure, a long incision is required, resulting in a scar after surgery. Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery in Knoxville offers 5 tips for minimizing and treating your tummy tuck scars.

1. Follow Pre and Post-Op Instructions

Make it a point to follow pre and post op instructions diligently. Stop smoking for at least 6 weeks before surgery. This will help in reducing post-surgery complications. Develop a self-care routine for yourself. A healthy diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables coupled with plenty of fluid intake is crucial to the healing procedure. It allows your scars to heal and fade naturally.

 2. Apply Silicone Sheets or Gel

After you have followed all your post-op instructions and the incisions have healed, then you are safe to try silicone sheets and gel strips. 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. While it is impossible to have no scars after a tummy tuck, silicone sheets can certainly make the scars less noticeable. 

3. Scar Fading Creams & Topicals

Scar therapy cream is one of the least aggressive options for fading tummy tuck scars. These topical creams or gels are applied directly to the scar after the scab has healed and subsided. The simplest option is using moisturizing cream with vitamin E.  Some of the more advanced creams contain silicone, and some have hydroquinone or other skin lightening agents to suppress pigment cell activity.

4. 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.

5. Laser Treatments for Scars

After you are completely healed, one of the ways to treat a tummy tuck scar is laser resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing uses light-based treatment to fade redness and lines over the scar and make it match skin tone. Premier offers Morpheus8 radiofrequency treatments to reduce the look of tummy tuck and other scars.  A series of 3 treatments is usually recommended to achieve optimum results.

Are you considering a tummy tuck or are interested in reducing the appearance of an existing tummy tuck scar? Call Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Office in Knoxville at (865) 306-5680 for personalized advice or SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION with our plastic surgeon, Dr. David Lo online at: https://www.premiersurgicalplasticsurgery.com/request-a-consultation