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Can Laser Treatments Erase Tummy Tuck Scars?

Tummy tucks are one of the most transformative cosmetic surgery procedures available today. By removing excess skin and tissue while tightening the abdominal muscles, your surgeon can restore a firm, toned abdominal profile. While our patients unanimously love the thought of refining their abs, many are initially concerned about scarring.

Every surgery comes with some degree of scarring. By working with the board-certified surgeons at The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, you’ll guarantee that scarring is as minimal as possible. We utilize our years of experience working with clients of all ages, genders, and body types to place your scar as subtly as possible. In most cases, even the tiniest bikini bottoms should conceal your scar.

Below we’ve broken down how one of our most powerful treatment options, the vascular laser, can zap away scarring. We’ll also give you some tips on what you can do on your own to make your scar healing process even faster.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Vascular Laser Treatment

The vascular laser is a powerful regenerative treatment that can target various skin concerns, including improving scar color and texture, reducing skin discoloration and stretch marks, and much more. By carefully delivering bursts of energy onto the skin, your doctor can kickstart the body’s natural healing process without damaging any of the surrounding skin and tissue. New, healthy collagen and elastin will rapidly enhance your scars’ overall appearance without employing any invasive methods.

The vascular laser offers the two-fold benefit of being entirely non-invasive while stimulating your body’s natural healing abilities. Results continue to develop over time, and after just one session, you’ll see a significant and ongoing improvement in your skin’s texture and quality.

Your doctor will give you a clear idea of when it is best to begin laser treatments during your consultation. For ideal results, most tummy tuck patients require two or more sessions spread out over several months. View our tummy tuck gallery to see before and after photos.

How to Reduce Scarring at Home

Following aftercare instructions to the letter is the single most crucial step in making your scar heal as quickly as possible. We’ll provide you with personalized, in-depth instructions.

Our guidelines typically include:

  • Walking as soon as possible following surgery. This increases circulation, reduces swelling, and lowers your risk of blood clots.
  • Avoid consuming tobacco or smoking for at least six weeks.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and proper hydration. Eating lots of fruits and veggies will provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to heal.
  • Avoid strenuous activity/exercise, especially lifting heavy items, for at least six weeks.
  • Avoid bending, stretching, or placing pressure on your abdomen.
  • Avoid sexual activity for the first three weeks post-op.
  • Apply topical 100% pure Vitamin E oil once a day to improve the appearance of scarring and keep your skin moisturized.

If you experience any irritation, redness, increased swelling, or pain, please contact us immediately. We’ll go over what’s appropriate at every stage of recovery during your consultation and post-op follow-up appointments.

SPF and Other Scar Reduction Options

Wearing sunscreen every day for at least a year (ideally for the rest of your life) is also essential. If possible, avoid sun exposure to the area altogether. Scar tissue is “new” skin that reacts differently to the sun’s rays than the rest of your skin. Sunscreen creates a critical barrier and will ensure your scar doesn’t become darker than the surrounding area.

When possible, look for formulas explicitly made for scars and from mineral ingredients. Your sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher.

If you’re looking for alternative scar treatments, prescription topical or injected steroids can minimize thick, raised, or red scars. Talk to your surgeon about your options, as these treatments can be completed preventatively in the immediate recovery period, or a few weeks after surgery for scar correction.

Schedule Your Consultation

While there’s no method to erase scarring instantly, we have more treatments than ever that effectively and efficiently improve the color, size, and texture of your tummy tuck scar. At the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, our first concern is your safety and confidence. We’ll work with you to determine which scar treatments are right for you and build a personalized treatment plan to achieve your goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Vascular Laser, a Tummy Tuck, or any of our other non-invasive skin treatments, the next step is to schedule a consultation at our Baltimore, MD office. Please give us a call at 410-744-0900 or contact us online to get started.