30 Jun Minimising Scars after Abdominoplasty Surgery
How to Reduce Scars after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty Surgery
One of the primary concerns for patients undergoing abdominoplasty is the potential for visible scars. Managing scars after abdominoplasty is crucial for achieving an optimal outcome from your surgery. Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts, a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, is dedicated to helping his patients reduce scarring after tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery.
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Abdominoplasty Scars
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure that aims to eliminate excess skin folds from the level of the abdominal wall and scars are an inevitable part of the process. The primary incision for an abdominoplasty is typically made along the lower abdomen, running from one hip to the other. Dr Watts will take care to place this incision low enough to be concealed by most underwear and swimwear styles, ensuring that your scars can be easily hidden when desired.
In some cases, particularly when there is excess skin or fat in the upper abdominal area, an additional incision may be necessary around the navel to reposition it. This incision is usually smaller and less noticeable than the main incision along the lower abdomen.
It is important to note that several factors can influence the appearance and severity of scars following abdominoplasty surgery. Genetics play a significant role in scar formation, with some individuals being more prone to developing thicker, more noticeable scars due to their genetic makeup. Age is another factor to consider, as our skin loses elasticity over time and may not heal as quickly or smoothly as it did when we were younger. Additionally, those with darker skin tones may be more susceptible to developing hyper pigmented scars, which are darker in colour than the surrounding skin, or keloid scars, which are raised and extend beyond the original wound site.
Understanding the stages of scar healing can help you better manage your expectations and care for your scars following abdominoplasty surgery. Initially, the scar may appear red, raised, and firm, as the body works to heal the incision site. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not cause alarm. Over time, usually several months to a year or more, the scar will gradually flatten, soften, and fade to a lighter colour, becoming less noticeable. It is essential to be patient during this process and follow the post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Watts and his team to support optimal healing.
Pre-operative Measures to Minimise Scars
While scars are an unavoidable aspect of abdominoplasty surgery, there are several pre-operative measures you can take to minimise their appearance and promote better healing. One of the most crucial steps is choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
In addition to selecting the right surgeon, there are several things you can do before your surgery to promote better healing and minimise scarring.
Before anything else, it is essential to avoid sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your procedure. UV rays can damage the skin and make scars more noticeable, so protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and covering the abdominal area when outdoors. If you are a smoker, quitting at least four to six weeks before your surgery is crucial. Smoking impairs blood flow and can slow down the healing process, increasing the risk of complications and poor scar formation.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is another critical factor in promoting better healing and minimising scars. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, particularly vitamin C and zinc, can help support your body’s natural healing processes. Regular exercise can also improve circulation and promote better healing, but it is important to follow Dr. Watts’ guidelines on when it is safe to resume physical activity after your surgery. You can learn more about returning to physical activity after surgery in this guide on exercise after tummy tuck – returning to exercise after abdominoplasty.
DOWNLOAD DR WATTS’ GUIDE TO ABDOMINOPLASTY or TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
Post-operative Care for Optimal Scar Healing
Proper post-operative care is essential for minimising scars and ensuring a smooth recovery following abdominoplasty surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage your scars to achieve optimal results.
During the first few weeks after your surgery, it is important to keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing. You may be advised to wear a compression garment to support the abdominal area, minimise swelling, and help the skin adhere to its new contours. As the incision heals and the initial discomfort subsides, you can begin to gently massage the scar tissue as directed by your surgeon. This massage technique helps break up any adhesions, improve circulation, and promote a flatter, smoother scar appearance.
In addition to massage, Dr Watts may recommend the use of scar-minimising products or treatments, such as silicone sheets or gels. These products work by hydrating the scar tissue and protecting it from external factors that can impede healing, such as friction from clothing or dryness. Consistently using these products as directed can help improve the appearance and texture of your scars over time.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to resume normal activities and how to protect your scars during the healing process. Avoiding strenuous exercise, direct sun exposure, and tight clothing that rubs against the incision site can all help minimise irritation and promote better scar healing.
Scar Camouflage and Revision Options
Despite following proper pre- and post-operative care, some people may still be dissatisfied with the appearance of their scars after abdominoplasty surgery. In these cases, there are different non-surgical and surgical options available for improving scar appearance.
Non-surgical options include camouflage makeup and scar camouflage tattoos. Specialised makeup products can help conceal scars and even out skin tone, making them less noticeable when wearing clothing that reveals the abdominal area. Scar camouflage tattoos, also known as medical tattoos, involve using pigments that match your skin tone to blend scars into the surrounding skin, making them less visible.
For more stubborn or unsatisfactory scars, surgical scar revision techniques may be necessary. These procedures involve removing or repositioning scar tissue to create a more pleasing appearance. Choose a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing scar revision procedures so he can help you determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and goals.
Surgical scar revision techniques may include:
- Excision: This involves removing the existing scar tissue and closing the wound with fine sutures to create a thinner, less noticeable scar.
- Z-plasty: This technique involves creating small triangular flaps of skin on either side of the scar, which are then rearranged to reorient the scar, making it less noticeable and more easily concealed within the natural skin folds.
- W-plasty: Similar to Z-plasty, this technique involves creating a series of small triangular flaps along the length of the scar, which can help break up the scar line and make it less conspicuous.
You should know that while scar revision techniques can change scar appearance, they may not completely eliminate the scar. Additionally, scar revision procedures typically require additional healing time and may result in some temporary discomfort.
If you are considering scar revision after your abdominoplasty, it is best to wait until your scars have fully matured, which can take six months to a year or more. Dr Watts will work closely with you to assess your scars and determine the most appropriate course of action to help you achieve your desired results.
FAQs about Minimising Scars after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty Surgery
Further Reading about Abdominoplasty with Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts
- Read more about Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
- Read more about Belly Bulge After Baby: Is It Diastasis Recti, Abdominal Fat, or Both?
- Read more about Recovery after Post Pregnancy Surgery
- Read more about BMI Impact on Abdominoplasty Results
- Read more about How to Reduce Bruising and Swelling After Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
About Dr. Guy Watts – MED0001539378
FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon In Perth WA
Dr. Guy Watts is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (AHPRA MED0001539378) with an extensive career that spans across renowned plastic surgery clinics worldwide. His experience has been honed through invaluable experiences at esteemed establishments such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the renowned Pitanguy Clinic in Brazil.
Having collaborated with the foremost cosmetic plastic surgeons on a global scale, Dr. Watts has chosen to return to Perth after a 17-year journey of intensive training and invaluable professional experience to bring the latest practices and technology in cosmetic plastic surgery to his patients.
Dr. Watts is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS).
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About CLINISPA
Clinispa is Dr Watts’ bespoke medical clinic performing Cosmetic Aesthetic treatments. At Clinispa, we offer advanced clinical treatments in a luxurious and calming environment, tailored to support your skin’s health and appearance.
Clinispa aesthetic services are performed by Dr Guy Watts’ nursing professionals, who have a passion for and solid understanding of facial aesthetics.
All Clinispa clients are considered individually, with a personalised treatment plan consisting of advanced scientific approaches to cosmetic aesthetics. We incorporate innovative technologies in conjunction with superiorly formulated skin care.
For more information about the full range of Clinispa Aesthetic of Cosmetic Treatments visit the Clinispa website
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