How Can I Reduce Tummy Tuck Scars?
Stubborn fat deposits and stretched skin around the abdominal area can leave even the healthiest person looking a little out of shape. When a person finds themselves battling the belly despite their best diet and exercise efforts, it may be time to consider plastic surgery at The Landings Surgical Centre.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tissues from the midsection and repairs abdominal muscles to help our Halifax, Nova Scotia, patients have a flatter, firmer stomach. Tummy tuck scars are one unfortunate side effect of this plastic surgery treatment. However, there are post-surgical care tips that can help patients reduce tummy tuck scars so that they are less noticeable.
Keep Incision Sites Clean
All patients heal at their own rate, and the degree of scarring that develops after tummy tuck surgery depends largely on genetics, skin tone, and the depth of the wound. Although there are a lot of factors that are out of a patient’s control, keeping incision sites clean is vital to promoting healing so that resulting scars are as light and smooth as possible.
Our surgeons provide explicit instructions regarding incision care after tummy tuck treatment. In general, patients are asked to keep incisions covered with gauze for about one week. Surgical tape will likely be placed directly over incisions and should stay in place until it falls off naturally. Patients can clean around the incisions with warm soap and water, but should avoid getting the actual incision wet until given the okay by our doctors.
Take Prescribed Medication
Infection is a risk following any surgical procedure. If incision sites become infected, it can slow down the recovery process. Infected skin will not heal as well and is likely to result in darker, more raised scars.
To reduce the risk of infection, our Halifax patients will be prescribed antibiotics after their tummy tuck procedure. Patients need to take all prescribed medication exactly as directed.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
After tummy tuck surgery the skin needs time to repair itself. Any activity that puts pressure on the skin will interfere with the healing process and is likely to result in a more noticeable scar. Tummy tuck patients should avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, and any type of strenuous exercise for at least six weeks after surgery.
Protect the Skin from UV Rays
UV rays can damage healthy skin, but it is especially harmful for scar tissue. If tummy tuck incisions are exposed to the sun, it can compromise the healing process. Scar tissue can also be discolored by the sun, which will make scars stand out more. Patients should keep incision sites covered when outdoors until they have had time to heal. After tummy tuck recovery, our Halifax patients should continue to protect scars with a sunscreen containing UV protection.
Consider Scar Minimizing Products
There are several products that are designed to assist in incision healing so that resulting scars are minimal. These include tapes, gels, and creams. Our doctors can recommend an appropriate product based on each of our patient’s needs, as well as discuss proper use of the product so that patients get the best results possible.
Contact Us
At The Landings Surgical Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments that allow patients to achieve their aesthetic goals. If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery or any of our other services, contact us at your earliest convenience or call (902) 492-2007 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors.
