Managing abdominoplasty scars by correctly caring for your incision sites and following other key steps can greatly help to fade their appearance over time.
Before undergoing your abdominoplasty procedure, knowing what to expect when it comes to the initial appearance of scars, and what wound care may involve, can help you feel more prepared for your abdominoplasty recovery ahead.
The appearance of abdominoplasty scars
Essentially, abdominoplasty scars will vary in appearance, depending on the specific details of how your surgery was performed. The incision pattern and placement will ultimately determine where your scar will be and how it may look.
The most common incision is a horizontal line that stretches across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, and in some cases, a vertical scar may be present as well. The length and placement of the scars depend on the amount of skin being removed and if steps like muscle repair will be included. Your surgeon will typically show you where your incision will be during your consultation process, before the day of your surgery.
Initially, scars will appear red or pink and slightly raised, which is a natural part of the body’s healing process. As the body heals, the scars will begin to flatten and fade, but this process can take some time – sometimes a year or more. Every patient heals differently, and factors such as skin type, genetics, and following scar care guidelines closely can influence how scars look over time.
A general scar healing timeline
The healing process for abdominoplasty scars will naturally occur in stages, throughout which it’s helpful to ensure that you’re supporting your healing as much as possible.
In the first few weeks, the body focuses on closing the incision, which means you can typically notice some scabbing and some swelling around the scar. As the weeks of your recovery continue, the scar tissue will begin to mature, and scars can start to feel firmer, which is a normal part of collagen buildup beneath the skin.
In the longer term, typically at around three months after your surgery, you may notice your scars becoming less raised and starting to soften. However, the scars will continue to fade, and their final appearance might not be visible until around 12 to 18 months after your procedure.
How to support your skin’s scar-healing process
Scar management should really start from the moment your incisions are closed at the end of your abdominoplasty procedure, and will continue past the point of when your incisions are healed. For good scar care, you’ll need to follow the advice of your surgeon, from the first day of your recovery through to once your recovery period has been completed.
In the early stages of recovery, keeping the surgical area clean and dry will be one of the most important steps. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on wound care, which may include the use of dressings or ointments to protect the incisions and encourage healing.
Once your incisions are fully closed, typically around two weeks after your procedure, you can start to use products like silicone-based sheets or gels. These can help to flatten scars, as well as hydrate the skin.
Another step that will help to prevent noticeable scarring is to protect your scars from the sun. UV exposure can darken scars, making them more visible and harder to fade. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF over the scar area, or keeping the area covered with clothing, will help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Massaging your scars, once approved by your surgeon, can also be beneficial. Gentle scar massage helps to break down excess collagen, which can prevent scars from becoming too raised or firm. You can normally start scar massages after the incision sites have fully healed, and when your surgeon says it’s okay. While they can be helpful, starting scar massages too soon can actually prevent the incisions from healing properly.
What to do if your scars don’t heal as well as expected
While most scars will fade and flatten over time with good wound care, some may still naturally develop into more noticeable scarring – or even hypertrophic or keloid scars.
If you notice that your scars are not healing as you expected, or if they feel excessively thick or itchy, it’s important to consult with your surgeon. Sometimes, treatments like laser therapy, or other scar revision techniques may be recommended to treat scars after incisions have completely healed.
While scar care is important, genetics can also naturally influence the likelihood of developing certain types of scars. If you know that you have a history of raised or keloid scarring, make sure to discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure so that they can tailor their advice for your recovery. They can also consider this when planning the details of your procedure, and how it can come into play when it comes to working towards the results you want to achieve.
While it’s natural to want scars to fade as quickly as possible, the reality is that scar healing will be a gradual process. Consistency in your care routine, along with patience, will make the biggest difference over time. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and keeping realistic expectations about how scars change throughout the healing process will help you navigate your recovery overall.
Organise your abdominoplasty consultation with Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Perron
Based in Brisbane, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Justin Perron is highly experienced in performing abdominoplasty surgery.
With a focus on providing patients with a high level of care in a comfortable environment, Dr Perron ensures that all procedures are highly tailored to meet the needs and expectations of each patient.
When you’re ready to book your consultation with Dr Perron in Brisbane, please contact our team. You can also contact our team with any questions about the abdominoplasty procedure, the associated recovery process, what you can expect in terms of scarring and more.
