As with all surgeries, abdominoplasty inevitably results in a scar. However, the scar doesn’t have to be a source of insecurity. With proper care, you can minimize your tummy tuck scar as much as possible so you can best enjoy your abdominoplasty results.
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Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Direct sun exposure can make scars appear darker or redder in color, accentuating your scar’s visibility. When you do go out in the sun, be sure to cover up your scar with sunscreen. As scars take around a year to fully mature, you should wear diligent sunscreen for at least the first year after your tummy tuck.
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Use Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has long been used to help scars heal. Petroleum jelly protects scars from external contaminants by creating an airtight seal. This is also an excellent way to keep your scar moisturized, protecting against the formation of scabs, which delay the healing process.
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Apply Topical Vitamin E
Vitamin E can also be an excellent moisturizer for scars. However, be careful to make sure your skin doesn’t produce an allergic reaction. Some people develop skin rashes in response to vitamin E, which can worsen your scar. Test on a different patch of skin before applying to your tummy tuck scar.
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Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco dehydrates the skin and restricts blood circulation, which slows the healing process. People who smoke can experience more severe scarring and slower healing after surgery than nonsmokers. If you are a smoker, avoid tobacco for several weeks before and after your tummy tuck, and consider quitting altogether for the best recovery and overall health.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
