After undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery, it’s crucial to understand that incision line scars require time to fully mature and settle. Patients who effectively manage their scars post-surgery tend to get more favorable outcomes. This is particularly significant for longer scars, such as those resulting from Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck procedures, diligent scar management is essential in ensuring scar healing.
UPDATE – The Australian Government has reinstated a Medicare Item Number for Abdominoplasty for some post-pregnancy patients suffering from Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new criteria. This new Medicare Item Number -30175 – is effective 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.
Download the 2023 Abdominoplasty Surgery Guide
This complete guide to Abdominoplasty surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Your surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a potential candidate.
- Planning for your surgery
- Answers to most frequently asked questions.
- Before and after gallery
- Read more about Abdominoplasty Surgery
Reducing your Abdominoplasty Scar after Surgery
To help reduce your scar after Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Surgery, your Surgeon takes care to place the incision lines below the belt-line or pant-line (there are, however, some limitations). Strategic incision line placement helps your Abdominoplasty scar appear less visible in swimsuits, underwear or lingerie.
- It’s important that you care for your scar properly, especially for first several months following surgery.
- Rest adequately – Don’t try to do too much too soon.
- Be sure you alert your Surgeon if you have any incision line concerns. For example, potential infection or disturbance to your sutures.
- If you develop an infection or if you disturb your sutures by lifting anything heavy (like a child) or exercising before you should you can compromise scar healing.
- Take advantage of the Abdominoplasty scar treatments your Coco Ruby Surgeon provides.
ALL invasive surgeries, including Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation surgery WILL product a scar.
What else impacts an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck scar after surgery?
- Your skin’s innate healing capacity
- Incision line healing can vary significantly from patient to patient.
- Your overall skin health, laxity and skin age can impact your healing and your surgery scar formation.
- Your genetics and skin type
- Where you are on the Fitzpatrick scale impacts your tendency towards pigmentation and can impact scar formation (scar colour and potentially how raised the scar becomes).
- A tendency towards keloid scarring.
- What you’re eating or drinking will impact your healing and therefore, your scar.
- Eat nutritiously and get plenty of fluid after surgery.
- Be sure you’re eating enough of the right things to facilitate healing.
- Both Pre-biotics and Pro-biotics may be helpful.
- Check what your Recovery pack includes and be sure you follow your Surgeon’s instructions.
- The activities you perform after surgery – such as lifting, exercise, child care or household chores.
What you do, as well as, how well you follow your Plastic Surgeon’s instructions after your operation will impact your scars, particularly whether or not you get the best possible scar results.
Know what to expect, and do ALL you can to help reduce the visibility of your scar. At Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery, we give our patients extra care and scar management treatments as part of their plastic surgery package.
Top Tips To Reduce Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Scar Visibility
It is best to ask your Plastic Surgeon for details, but in general, Abdominoplasty Surgery
- Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Adhere closely to the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This will ensure proper wound care and optimal healing.
- Keep the Incision Clean and Dry: Gently wash the incision area with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. Avoid harsh cleansers and keep the area free from excess moisture.
- Protect Your Scar from the Sun: Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Cover your scar or use a high-SPF sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
- Use Scar Creams or Ointments: Over-the-counter scar creams and ointments can help reduce scar visibility. Look for products with ingredients like silicone, vitamin E, or Aloe Vera.
- Silicone Sheets or Gel: Silicone products, such as sheets or gels, can be effective in reducing the appearance of scars. They create a barrier over the scar and help keep the skin hydrated.
- Massage the Scar Tissue: Gently massage the scar tissue to improve blood circulation and promote tissue healing. Use a moisturiser or specialised scar cream while massaging.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for the healing process. A balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals supports skin regeneration.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke quit smoking before and after surgery.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your skin and body hydrated, which aids in overall healing.
- Patience is Key: Scar healing is a gradual process. It may take many months (12-18months or more) for the scar to fade and mature. Be patient and consistent in your scar care routine.
- Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Attend your follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and receive personalised advice.
- Scar treatments: At Coco Ruby we offer patients Healite II treatments which might be helpful to have before and after surgery.
Remember that individual responses to surgery and scar healing can vary. If you have concerns about your scar’s appearance or the healing process, consult your plastic surgeon for guidance and care tailored to your specific needs.
Our Coco Ruby patients receive a Recovery pack to help after Surgery
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery Packages include a selection of useful products and treatments that may help reduce your visible Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck scar after surgery.
Coco Ruby patients will have access to several things in terms of cosmetic surgery scars: our Recovery pack and our skin clinic delivered special Scar Treatments.
- The Coco Ruby unique Recovery pack contains products hand-selected to assist your healing processes over the first few weeks after your operation.
- Some of the items in our Pack aid inner healing, whereas other products are to aid the skin and scar formation itself.
So, in addition to NOT overdoing it after surgery, for an Abdominoplasty scar you’ll likely want to take advantage of our in-house scar minimisation treatments.
- These are typically included with your surgery package.
- They are one of the many advantages of scheduling surgery with our Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne.
- Check with your Surgeon and review your Quote for details.
Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Scar Minimisation Treatments at Coco Ruby Melbourne
Healite II Light Therapy
Healite II uses low-level light therapy (called LLLT) which may help photomodulate cellular function healing times and reducing pain. It’s even been used by some doctors right after plastic surgery procedures and is known to assist in healing wounds.
This low-level light therapy treatment also has other uses. It can help treat acne and is sometimes used for sports injury management or during physiotherapy to treat muscular pain.
- Healite II session is typically included with your Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Surgery.
- Click for more on Healite II skin treatments or low-level light therapy available at Coco Ruby.
Dermapen Skin Needling
You might receive Dermapen Collagen Induction Treatment (CIT) – also known as skin needling – to help your scar heal or to help the scar become less visible.
VLaser or Fraxel Laser Therapy
Fraxel Laser Therapy is sometimes used as a scar minimisation treatment, either as a stand-alone treatment or combined with other treatments. If your surgeon may recommend Fraxel laser treatments to minimise your scar after surgery. If they do you will likely need several treatments spread apart by several weeks.
