Your surgeon will have a wealth of knowledge about the type of abdominoplasty you’re scheduling and what the healing process may look like for you. Consider this information as you make your decision.
There will be some amount of scarring from a tummy tuck, even if it’s small. Your genetics, lifestyle, and how you care for your scar in the post-op process can significantly impact how well you heal.
If it’s any reassurance to you, your tummy tuck scars will be less noticeable as time goes on.
After surgery, you won’t have a scar yet, but you will have an incision. The incision may swell and appear “puffy” in the days after surgery, but you shouldn’t notice extreme redness, unbearable pain, or pus coming from the site. If you do, please notify us immediately, as these symptoms may signify infection.
Depending on your unique genetics and lifestyle factors, the incision will undergo several changes at this time. A scar will be noticeable, but it will fade in color as your body produces more collagen to close the wound. Your body is working hard to produce scar tissue.
At this point, your scar will begin to fade and no longer appear red. It will start contracting and becoming smaller.
Two years in, your scar should fade or already appear as faded pink or brown. You shouldn’t experience swelling or discomfort at this point.
Ensure that you follow these post-op instructions:
Please let us know if you have any specific questions that relate to your age, lifestyle, or health conditions.
Scar cream won’t “erase” a scar but can minimize its appearance. Consider a cream with hydroquinone (or another lightening ingredient). You’ll have to wait about six weeks to give your scar time to heal before using a cream.
You can consider professional aesthetic treatments if your scar isn’t healing the way you like. Ask your surgeon about laser treatments or microneedling to reduce scarring and increase collagen production — but hold off until you’re about a year into the healing process to consider these options.
Applying silicone sheets can be a topical therapy for scar tissue reduction. They help hydrate the area as it produces collagen and receives oxygen to speed healing.
Taping can help the tissues to close appropriately around the incision site. This helps speed recovery and ensures minimal scarring.
While experiencing a post-tummy-tuck infection is rare if you follow your post-op care instructions, it can be a complication of any surgery. If you experience any signs of infection (or signs that you think might be infection), such as pus, extreme redness, swelling, fever, or chills, please contact us immediately.
Ensure that you give yourself time to rest and heal for the few days after the procedure. Follow your provider’s instructions, and remember not to sleep on the incision.
Are you considering getting a tummy tuck? Read through the following FAQs to gain more insight into the procedure as well as the best tummy tuck scar treatment process.
It’s rare (and usually not possible) for tummy tuck scars to completely disappear, but they can fade significantly if you care for them properly.
Not unless they show you their scar! Tummy tucks are one of the most popular procedures for a reason – they’re nearly invisible.
No, it’s not — but don’t mistake all redness for swelling. Your scar may still look red and raised at this point in the healing process. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pain or have any concerns.
Depending on your unique skin tone and genetics, your healed scar may be flat, slightly raised, reddish brown, or dark brown.
If you’re healthy overall and have followed your post-op instructions, you shouldn’t experience problems years later.
There are many options for reducing a scar’s redness or raised appearance. You and your provider may consider microneedling, silicone sheets, skin-lightening gels, and other treatments.
Your scar is considered “healed” after about 12 months. If you’re still concerned about its appearance, speak to your doctor.
Your scar will heal as your body produces more collagen and increases blood flow to the incision area. Over time, it will fade to a pink, reddish-brown, or light brown color.
Consider the timeline outlined in this guide. Is your incision decreasing in redness or, instead, more swollen? Is it fading over the months after the appointment? If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us immediately.
Lower abdominal scars are relatively easy to hide with clothing such as high-rise bikini bottoms, pants, or shorts.
No, a tummy tuck and tummy tuck scar treatment focus on your lower or upper abdominal area. A pubic lift is a different procedure.
Our experienced providers at Formation are board-certified surgeons who have practiced and learned from experts worldwide.
The surgeons at Formation use the most advanced technologies and specialized training. Your health is a priority to us. You only have one body, and we want you to take care of it!
