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How to Reduce the Appearance of Tummy Tuck Scars

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the United States’ most popular cosmetic procedures, but tummy tuck scars are often misunderstood. Learn more about their healing time and what to expect in the weeks and months after the procedure.

Understanding a Tummy Tuck: Types of Incisions and Scarring

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.

Are There Different Types of Tummy Tuck Scars?

Yes! It may help to ask your surgeon or browse through pictures of tummy tuck scars to understand the differences. Depending on the type of tummy tuck and how you care for your scar, you may notice the following results:

Lower abdominal scar
Belly button scar
Vertical scars
Hypertrophic (slightly raised) scars
Keloid (more significantly raised) scars
Wide scars

Can You Prevent a Tummy Tuck Scar?

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.

The Scar Healing Timeline: Recovery From a Tummy Tuck

If it’s any reassurance to you, your tummy tuck scars will be less noticeable as time goes on.

Right After Surgery

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.

The First Few Weeks

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.

After Six Months

At this point, your scar will begin to fade and no longer appear red. It will start contracting and becoming smaller.

After Two Years

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.

The Most Effective Treatments To Fade Tummy Tuck Scars

It’s exciting to think about the results of your new tummy tuck, but please keep your surgeon’s instructions in mind as you leave our office! Your attention to the healing process is crucial.

Follow Your Post-Op Instructions

Ensure that you follow these post-op instructions: