Tummy tucks are also known as abdominoplasty. With this procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen and the abdominal muscles are tightened. This procedure works well for people who are within 30 percent of their ideal body weight and specifically want abdominal fat removed. Although the incisions for a tummy tuck are generally oriented so that the scars are easily hidden, scarring can still be an issue for patients who have received a tummy tuck.
Step 1
Be patient. In many cases it can take up to nine months for tummy tuck scars to fade. The scar may get worse during the first three to six months and fade later.
Step 2
Apply cortisone creams. Cortisone creams can be obtained over-the-counter and are effective at preventing the inflammation that can worsen a tummy tuck scar.
Step 3
Apply cocoa butter. According to plasticsurgeonpractices.com, many treatments for post-pregnancy stretch marks (including cocoa butter) can help reduce the appearance of tummy tuck scars.
Step 4
Apply scar creams. Many over-the-counter scar creams contain silicone and vitamin K, both of which help smooth out the surfaces of scars and break down the scar tissue.
Step 5
Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. It is important to avoid tobacco of any kind for the two weeks before and after the tummy tuck procedure. Smoking will increase the length of your recovery which will in turn enhance the visibility of your scars.
Things You'll Need
- Cortisone cream
- Cocoa butter
- Scar cream
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