Abdominoplasty scars are an inevitable part of the healing process after surgery, and while they often fade significantly over time, there are steps you can take to help them heal as well as possible.
Overall, scarring will vary from person to person, depending on factors like genetics, skin type, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions. While scarring often fades, some patients may be prone to developing more significant scars, which can sometimes prompt the need for further treatments after your procedure.
Since the incision for an abdominoplasty is placed along the lower abdomen, it is usually positioned so that it can be concealed under clothing. However, as it heals, you might notice changes in its colour and texture over time.
Understanding what to expect and how to care for your scar properly can make a significant difference in how it heals. In this blog, we’ll go through the key aspects of scar healing, from what happens in the first few weeks to what you can do in the months ahead.
How your abdominoplasty scars heal after surgery
After abdominoplasty surgery, your incision site will typically be covered with dressings. In the first few weeks, the scar will likely appear red or slightly raised, which is a normal part of the healing process.
As the months go on, your scar may initially darken slightly, before eventually starting to fade. The rate at which this happens will depend on your skin and how well your body heals.
In the early stages, it’s common for the area to feel tight due to swelling and internal healing. Some patients may also experience itching as the scar starts to mature. While this can be uncomfortable, it is generally a sign of normal healing. However, excessive itching, pain, or changes in the scar’s appearance, such as raised or widening edges, could indicate a complication and should be discussed with your surgeon.
Keeping your scar protected and supported in the early stages of healing will give it the best chance of healing well in the longer term. It’s important to know that, while you can follow some steps to help your abdominoplasty scars fade, some patients can be susceptible to developing more noticeable scars, such as keloid scars. It’s important to discuss your healing history and any genetic predisposition to developing significant scars with you surgeon, so that this can be considered during the planning process.
Helping your scars heal straight after your procedure
The first step in helping your scars heal well is to support the initial healing process. When you care for your incision site, including taking steps to prevent infection, you can significantly reduce your chance of delaying the healing process, which may contribute to the development of more prominent scars.
To prevent infection or irritation, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions on how regularly to change bandages, and when to start gently cleaning the area. When it’s time to clean the incision site, your surgeon may recommend using warm water and a gentle soap. Normally, you’ll need to avoid submerging the area in water until it has healed, so you can expect to stick to showers and avoid baths during this time.
Another helpful step is to minimise any tension on the healing incision site. Sometimes, excessive stretching of the healing tissue can lead to a wider or more prominent scar. This is why your surgeon may advise you to avoid certain movements, like bending, twisting, or lifting, as these may stretch the scar and affect how it heals.
Wearing a compression garment is also often advised after an abdominoplasty to support the area as it heals and reduce swelling. Not only can the compression garment help with the healing process overall, but it can also help scars form better. If you need to wear a compression garment, you should closely follow your surgeon’s instructions on how often and for how long to wear it.
Scar management in the months after surgery
Once your incision has fully closed and your surgeon advises that it’s suitable, you may like to start introducing scar care treatments to further support healing.
A common recommendation is to keep the skin in the area sufficiently moisturised. You should use a gentle, light moisturiser that will help to reduce dryness without causing any irritation. If you need recommendations, you can discuss what products you should use during your consultation or at a check-up appointment after your procedure.
Silicone gels or sheets are also commonly recommended for scar management. They help keep the scar hydrated and may reduce its thickness and colour over time.
Massages can also be introduced at the appropriate stage of healing – gently massaging the scar with a suitable moisturiser or oil can help to soften the tissue.
Protecting your scar from sun exposure is another key aspect of care. UV exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable, so keeping the area covered or using a high SPF sunscreen is important if the scar is likely to be exposed to sunlight.
How your scars may change in the longer term
Abdominoplasty scars will typically continue to change for many months after surgery, with most scars taking at least a year to fully mature.
In the first few months, they may appear darker or more raised, before gradually softening and fading. While some degree of scarring will typically remain, most scars do tend to improve significantly with time and become less visible.
As we mentioned earlier, sometimes scars may become more prominent than expected – particularly in those who develop keloid or hypertrophic scarring. These conditions can lead to scars where the scar tissue becomes raised or extends beyond the incision line. If this occurs, there are treatments available that may help to improve the appearance of the scar. These should always be discussed with your surgeon beforehand and during a consultation with a specialist who performs the procedures.
Since every person heals differently, it’s important to follow up with your surgeon if you have concerns about how your scar is progressing. They can assess whether it is healing as expected or whether additional treatment options may be worth considering.
Abdominoplasty scars are a normal part of healing, but with the right care, they can settle as well as possible over time. If you’re considering this procedure, booking a consultation with a surgeon will allow you to discuss what to expect from scarring and how to manage it effectively.
Abdominoplasty Procedures with Experienced Melbourne-Based Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein
Before having abdominoplasty surgery, it’s important to have a consultation with an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon. It’s even better to find a surgeon who specialises in abdominoplasty.
Based in Melbourne, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Craig Rubinstein specialises in abdominoplasty and breast procedures, using his knowledge gained over 25 years of experience.
Your consultation not only allows him to plan a personalised procedure, but it is a place to discuss the possibility of abdominoplasty scars, how they may look and how you can help to reduce their appearance.
If you’re ready to book your consultation with Dr Rubinstein, please feel free to contact our team.