A tummy tuck procedure is a very safe procedure that produces excellent results for patients feeling dissatisfied with their midsection. In brief, tummy tucks help patients achieve a slimmer and firmer abdomen when regular exercise and a healthy diet isn’t enough.

One of the biggest concerns my patients have with the procedure is scarring. There’s no two ways about it – the procedure will leave a scar. The good news is that there are things you and your doctor can do to hide or reduce scarring.

First Things First: Take A Look At The Doctor’s Portfolio

Before making any decisions about the procedure, make sure you ask the doctor for some reference photos of results with prior patients. More than anything else, this will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of scarring. Every doctor is different, so seeing photos from your doctor will be more helpful than pictures from the internet or even scars you’ve seen in person.

After looking at pictures, you can decide for yourself whether you’re comfortable with that level of scarring. The procedure and the scarring are irreversible, so it’s best to think it over carefully and get a clear idea of what to expect.

Talk With Your Doctor About Options For Hiding The Scar

Just because the procedure leaves a scar doesn’t mean everyone has to see it. Patients can bring underwear and swimsuits to a consultation so that they can discuss options for placing the scar somewhere hidden. This often makes patients feel a lot better about any scarring that may occur.

Post-Procedure Care

While some scarring is inevitable, there are steps you can take to reduce it. Following all after-care instructions will ensure that you heal quickly and scarring is minimized. After the incision is healed, you can try vitamin E oil. Some research has indicated that applying 100% pure vitamin E oil to scars reduces their appearance

Other post-procedure treatments include steroid applications, laser treatment, and surgical scar revision. Steroids work by softening and shrinking hard scars. Laser treatment (or resurfacing) targets blood vessels that produce redness under the skin, altering both the color and texture of the scar. Lastly, surgical scar revision can be utilized for especially stubborn marks.

Most patients find that their scar is not noticeable enough to warrant any of these treatments. However, it’s worth noting that there are options for those who are still unhappy with their appearance following a tummy tuck procedure.

We’re here for any questions or concerns you may have regarding tummy tuck procedures.

Give us a call today to talk with us about the procedure.