Dealing With Tummy Tuck Scars
Although they usually tend to eventually disappear, tummy tuck scars can be unsightly and a potential source for embarrassment. Depending upon the tummy tuck procedure undertaken, tummy tuck scars can be fairly long, often in the shape of a T, or on the other hand, if endoscopic surgery was performed, quite small. In the latter case, the scars are not apt to be terribly noticeable, but regardless of the size, if you want the scarring to heal more rapidly, or want to camouflage the scars, there are things that can be done.
Before looking into products or procedures designed to reduce the unattractiveness of tummy tuck scars, attention should first be directed towards taking the necessary steps involved in allowing scarring to heal naturally. Besides following doctor's orders, this often primarily involves cessation of smoking, difficult if you're a smoker, and minimizing any use of aspirin products.
What A Tummy Tuck Does - A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure usually designed to sculpt the abdomen to a better shape by removing or tightening loose or hanging skin, tightening abdominal muscles, tightening up small stomach pouches that won't go away, or "love handles", which also can be difficult to get rid of. Tummy tucks are not intended as a means of weight loss. If this were the case, scarring would likely be much more extensive than is generally the now the case.
Surgical Options - There are several ways, both surgical and non-surgical to treat tummy tuck scars. In cases of significant scarring or unsightly scars that are apt to become permanent, skin grafting may be the best option. Tissue expansion, in which the skin near the scar is stretched to essentially create more skin, is another approach widely used. Tissue expansion is not done in a single sitting, but takes placed over an extended period of time during which the skin is being stretched. Eventually the stretched skin is placed over the scar, and when healing is completed the scar should disappear completely. Laser resurfacing is still another option. Whichever surgical approach would be best is something usually best mutually decided upon by doctor and patient.
Whatever method is used, when it is a surgical procedure of any kind, there is going to be a healing period required. A week or two is typical for most cases of what is referred to as scar revision. Even then, it may take up to a year for a treated scar to disappear completely, though in the case of tissue expansion, scarring may disappear earlier.
Non-Surgical Options - There are a number of products on the market designed to promote the healing of tummy tuck scars. Depending upon the severity or type of scarring, seeking a doctor's advice is advisable before trying any of these products, though most likely would do little harm. Silicon sheeting is one such product, which when placed over a scar, tends to neutralize discoloration, soften the skin, and flatten out raised scar tissue. There are also topical treatments, ingredients of which often consist of a combination of cortisone, silicon, and vitamin E.
Whether one uses a silicon sheet or wrap, or a topical creme, may be largely a matter of personal choice. In either case, the time it takes for positive results to occur may be several months and it's important that the person using a particular product sticks with it. On again, off again treatment is usually not going to be very successful. A dermatologist may be in the best position to determine whether a surgical or non-surgical approach would be the best way to go. Try to find a doctor or dermatologist who does not appear to have a vested interest in either pushing a product line or promoting plastic surgery. Don't forget the family doctor, who when all is said and done, may be the best source of advice on the subject.