A tummy tuck procedure, medically called an abdominoplasty, removes unwanted fat from the abdomen while tightening abdominal muscles. The surgery is performed through an incision that runs from one hipbone to the other, leaving you with an unsightly scar. Many cosmetic and plastic surgeons work to minimize scarring as much as possible, but your scar may not completely fade. Several simple remedies can help the healing process and reduce the appearance of your tummy tuck scar.
Step 1
Quit smoking at least two weeks prior to your tummy tuck procedure and until your incision has healed. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of complications following a tummy tuck procedure and may cause infection, warns the California Surgical Institute. Infection at the site of the incision can prolong healing. Talk to your primary care physician about ways to quit or avoid smoking while you recover from surgery.
Step 2
Avoid exposing your scar to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet, or UV, rays can hinder the healing process and cause additional skin discoloration. Always apply SPF 15 or higher to your skin and keep your scar covered with a swimsuit, towel or item of clothing when you spend time in the sun.
Step 3
Massage your scar after the surface has healed completely. According to "Fitness" magazine, massaging helps break down collagen that can attach to tissue under the skin. Apply lotion to the scar and massage the area in a circular motion for 30 seconds several times each day.
Step 4
Discuss laser treatment options for scarring with your health care provider or plastic surgeon. "Fitness" magazine indicates that laser treatments aid in flattening and reducing the redness of scars. Ablative lasers can eliminate the scar, allowing skin to regenerate in its place. Several treatments may be necessary and the procedure can be costly.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow your body to heal and recover for several months before attempting to minimize your scar. According to Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health, it can take three to six months for your tummy tuck scar to flatten and lighten in color.
- Avoid using vitamin E to help heal scars. According to research conducted by the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, applying vitamin E following a surgical procedure has no effect on the skin and can worsen the appearance of the scar or lead to contact dermatitis.
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