A tummy tuck is a fabulous procedure that can help an individual achieve a slimmer and sleeker appearance in their mid-drift. It is a surgery that has helped many individuals achieve their aesthetic goals in this part of the body. Yet, like any serious surgery, there are risks associated with a tummy tuck. One of these is the potential for scarring at the incision site. If you have a tummy tuck planned or are just interested in learning more about this procedure, read these tips for minimizing tummy tuck scarring.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a type of plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen area. The purpose of a tummy tuck is to give a patient a sleeker, thinner, more toned belly appearance. Also known as an abdominoplasty, it is consistently one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures.
Tips for Minimizing Tummy Tuck Scarring
Unfortunately, due to the nature of a tummy tuck procedure, at least some small amount of scarring is inevitable when this procedure is performed. That being said, there are some steps one can take to minimize the risk of excessive scarring.
1. Keep Your Incision Site Clean
One of the most important steps you can take to reduce the amount of scarring that you experience after a tummy tuck is to ensure that you keep your incision sites clean. Infection has the potential to greatly inflame any already present scarring.
2. Use Silicone Sheets
Applying silicone sheets to scarred areas has been shown to reduce scarring and improve the long-term outcomes for the appearance of a surgical site. Ask your physician if they have any advice regarding particular brands that they recommend for your skin.
3. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure can have damaging and unpredictable impacts on one’s skin. Avoid exposing your surgical site to the sun for the first several weeks following your surgery. If you tend to spend a lot of time outside, protect your surgical area by covering it up or applying sunscreen of at least 30 SPF to it.
4. Keep a Healthy Lifestyle
You can help fortify your skin and your body against some of the stressors of surgery by engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Stay properly hydrated and eat a nutritious diet. Trying to limit the physical stress you incur before and after your procedure can also work wonders for your long-term results.
5. Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice:
Your physician will give you a set of post-operative instructions following your procedure. Following these instructions to the letter will give you the highest chance of success at minimizing your scarring and navigating your recovery period with ease.
Other Considerations
One thing to keep in mind is that all tummy tucks will produce a scar of some kind. Your surgeon will attempt to produce this scar in a part of the body where it will be as hidden as possible. In addition to scarring, there are other risks to be aware of if you decide to go through with a tummy tuck:
- Seroma, or fluid accumulation below the skin: Any invasive surgery has the potential to produce sacks of fluid close to the surgical site as a result of the body’s natural healing process.
- Slow healing: The incision of a tummy tuck may take a long time to heal. Remember to be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal.
- Tissue damage: There is some possibility that fatty tissue in the abdominal area gets damaged and dies during the procedure. If this is the case, you may require a surgical touch-up later on to repair the area.
- Strange skin sensations: A tummy tuck can impact the nerves of the body, resulting in strange skin sensations for some individuals.
Your Friend in Beverly Hills
Dr. Elise Min is dedicated to offering the best in tummy tuck procedures. If you are interested in discussing your goals for a tummy tuck with a breast and body surgery specialist, contact her office today to schedule a consultation.
