How Can I Minimize Tummy Tuck Scars? | The Plastic Surgery Clinic Blog
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How Can I Minimize Tummy Tuck Scars?

Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is a common cosmetic procedure that our surgeons regularly perform. As a result of time, pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or many other factors, many people are unable to achieve the flat tummy they’ve always wanted or dreamed about. No matter what the cause, with a tummy tuck performed at The Plastic Surgery Clinic, our patients can finally have the look they desire.

Moreover, a tummy tuck not only helps remove excess stomach fat and wrinkled skin in the abdominal area, but it can also assist in tightening the abdominal muscles, which results in reducing the waistline. With a tummy tuck, however, comes a considerable incision necessary to achieve these transformative results. The structural change of the deeper layers of the skin during this procedure can bring forth some noticeable scarring, and while completely normal, some patients wish to minimize the scar’s appearance. Even though your surgeon will always place a tummy tuck incision in an area that can easily be concealed by bikini bottoms and most clothing, there are steps every patient can take to reduce the appearance of scarring.

So, here are some things you can do to minimize the appearance of a tummy tuck scar post surgery.

1. Stay Out of the Sun

Scars exposed to the sun will often appear darker or even red in color. Why? The sun’s UV rays can change the pigmentation of the skin including scars, and prolonged sun exposure can darken or worsen their appearance. Lighter scars are less visible and generally preferable to pigmented scars. It is advised to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen continuously, not only during the first year following surgery, but indefinitely.

2. Follow Your Surgeon’s Post Op Instructions

It is important to follow all post-operative directions following a tummy tuck. If you’re a smoker for example, refraining from smoking is especially important during your post-op healing time. Generally, people that do not stop smoking following a tummy tuck will not heal as well and their scars may have a more pronounced appearance.

It’s also important to wear your compression garments until advised by your surgeon. Compression garments are specifically designed for post-op care, as they help to increase blood circulation in the wound. These garments also apply the right amount of pressure to release the tension on the incision and eventually reduce swelling to minimize scars.

3. Proper Diet and Nutrition

Without proper nutrition, wound healing can be negatively impacted. That’s why your diet during the recovery process plays a critical role in how fast your wound heals. There are certain nutritional measures you can take to help properly heal your tummy tuck scars. Ensure that you are getting enough protein for tissue growth and repair. You should also be eating foods rich in Vitamin A, C and zinc, as they can prevent infection and promote proper healing.

4. Scar Minimizing Creams

As a part of your post-op care, your surgeon can recommend a scar minimizing cream to apply to the wound once it’s healed. The type of recommended cream usually contains Vitamin E, silicone, cocoa butter or other essential vitamins and minerals that can help lighten or reduce the appearance of scars.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

If you are considering undergoing an abdominoplasty procedure, please contact us at [email protected] to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lista or Dr. Ahmad.

Your tummy tuck can be performed on right in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our clinic exceeds national, provincial and municipal health care facility standards in such important areas as equipment quality and infection control.

If you prefer, you can choose to have your surgery at one of the hospitals where our board-certified plastic surgeons also enjoy privileges. These hospitals include the Mississauga site of the Trillium Health Centre, where Dr. Lista was Chief of Plastic Surgery, and the University Health Network, where Dr. Ahmad continues to provide his services. No matter where you choose to have your surgery, there is always a surgeon on call to respond to your immediate concerns.

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