A Guide to Healing and Scarring After a Tummy Tuck

When patients picture their tummy tuck results, they rarely picture the scar that makes those results possible. Talking about scars may not feel glamorous, but it is part of planning a tummy tuck.

At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics in Lone Tree, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Jeremy Williams and Dr. Christopher Williams, know how to support your healing. They serve patients from Highlands Ranch, Denver, and across the U.S.

What’s Normal After a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck typically involves a low horizontal incision that runs across the lower abdomen, often from hip to hip. 

Right after surgery, the scar will probably look red or raised. Over time, the scars usually fade and flatten, though how quickly depends on your body and how well you follow aftercare steps.

You should know that all scars are part of the body’s healing process. Your skin type, age, genetics, and even how your body produces collagen all influence how your scar looks as it matures.

How to Minimize Scarring

There are several ways to support better healing and make scars less noticeable. Our surgeons already take steps to place incisions as discreetly as possible and close them in a way that reduces tension on the skin. 

Beyond that, here are some helpful approaches to scar care:

• Silagen® Scar Refinement System: Medical-grade silicone gels and sheets create a protective barrier, hydrate the skin, and help limit excess collagen that can cause raised scars.
• Protect the area from sun exposure: Sunlight can darken scars and make them more noticeable, so shielding the skin is important once your surgeon says it is safe.
• Keep the incision clean and follow aftercare instructions: Proper wound care helps prevent irritation or infection that may worsen scars.
• Stay consistent with scar treatments: Daily use of recommended products improves results over time.
• Consider in-office treatments for stubborn scars: Microneedling, LED light therapy, or chemical peels may improve the color and texture of older scars.
• Support your body’s healing: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking all contribute to healthier skin recovery.

Your treatment plan will always be customized to your skin type and how your body heals.

Learn More About Tummy Tuck Recovery in Denver

With thoughtful scar management, many patients eventually see their scars fade and become less noticeable. It’s usually worth it to enjoy having a flatter stomach.

Schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons by calling Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery in Lone Tree at 303-706-1100.