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Top 5 Tips For Reducing Tummy Tuck Scars

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Posted November 24, 2021 in Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck Scars Tips

Like all plastic surgery procedures, a tummy tuck results in a scar. Although some body contouring procedures, like liposuction, leave tiny scars, tummy tuck scars are long and extensive. Tummy tuck patients say that the surgery is life-changing, yet the trade-off for a flat tummy and no loose skin is a lengthy scar.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

Commonly known as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty permanently removes fat and excess skin from the midsection or belly. The result is a smoother, flatter stomach that’s tighter and more youthful-looking. The waistline will also appear more refined after surgery.

The trade-off for your new body? A hip-to-hip scar. Some tummy tuck variations, like a mini tummy tuck, produce a smaller scar.

  • The standard tummy tuck scar, runs from hip bone to hip bone below or at the pubic bone. There is also a small scar hidden in the belly button.
  • The mini tummy tuck scar: Resembling a C-section scar, this one is shorter than the standard tummy tuck scar yet appears in the same place
  • The extended tummy tuck scar: The longest of the tummy tuck scars, this one is the same as a standard version with an additional T scar that runs vertically up towards the breast area.

WHY IS THE SCAR SO LARGE?

To entirely correct loose skin, stretch marks, and weak or stretched-out abdominal muscles, a lengthy scar must be made so that your plastic surgeon can fully correct the issues at hand. If the incision is not long enough, there is not enough room to fix these issues, which can cause subpar results.

However, the incision points of your scar should be low enough to be covered under a bathing suit and underwear.

5 TIPS FOR BETTER-LOOKING TUMMY TUCK SCARS

A large scar is a trade-off for a flatter stomach achieved with a tummy tuck, but there are a few tips and tricks to follow during the recovery phase to help improve how your scar heals and will ultimately look. Remember, scars last a lifetime and they typically go through a worse-before-better phase, so give your body plenty of time to properly heal.

1. Use silicone strips or creams.

Once your plastic surgeon gives you the green light to begin using scar aids, do so. Research shows that applying silicone (either in the form of an adhesive strip or in cream) to the scar helps decrease tension on the skin, allowing it to heal thinner.

2.  Use sunscreen.

To minimize the risk of redness, make sure to keep your skin out of the sun whenever it may be exposed. Regular use of sunscreen on the scar is also essential.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Well, moisturized skin fares better than dry, dehydrated skin. So once the scab has fallen off, and your incision is fully closed, you can start applying a moisturizing body lotion to the scar to keep it soft and pliable.

4. Don’t wear irritating clothes.

The healing process can sometimes be uncomfortable, so soft cotton and other materials that feel good against the skin are best. Also, use non-irritating detergents too.

5. Consider a Laser Treatment

Lasers can be used to reduce unwanted pigment in a scar. However, it’s best to address them after the first six months of healing when the scar is still fresh.

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470-354-3600

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