After your tummy tuck, you will be anxious to show off your sleek, slim figure. The only obstacle that you may face is the appearance of your tummy tuck scar. These raised, often long scars can be dark or reddish in color, and may inhibit some of your apparel options and impact your self-esteem. The efforts that you put into your tummy tuck should motivate you to try some helpful strategies to reduce the appearance of unsightly scars, and will help to fade and smooth the skin in no time.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an amazing thing, and it is known for its skin rejuvenating properties. You can buy Vitamin E capsules and break them open to release the drops of nectar inside. Rub this liquid over the scarred skin to lighten and fade the scar quickly. This also will help heal a wound or incision spot quickly and without the typical itching associated with healing skin.
Baking Soda Slough
Baking soda makes the perfect slough for the skin on your tummy. It is coarse enough to remove the scar tissue, but not so harsh that it can irritate or aggravate the sensitive area around the scar. Mix a generous amount of baking soda with enough cool water to create a paste and rub over the scarred skin daily.
Silicone Sheets
Taping, also called silicone sheeting, can be an effective way to minimize scarring after a surgical procedure. These sheets can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy, and they adhere to the skin similarly to a fabric bandage, concealing the scar and helping it shrink, flatten and fade. Typically, doctors will suggest doing this regularly after surgery for a period of a few months.
Fillers
Pitted scars that are indented may be minimized with collagen fillers. Talk with your doctor about other injections that could reduce the look of your scar.
Massage
Many believe that massage can soften and reduce the appearance of your tummy tuck scar. Ask the massage therapist to use essential oils, such as lavender or rose hip, to further reduce the appearance of the scare and to help promote healing.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, the well-known and beloved balm for sunburned skin, is another magical potion that can work wonders on scars. Use the gel inside the aloe vera plant and scrape it out with a spoon or knife. Apply this sticky residue directly on the scar and the surrounding skin to fade the incision scar, and to promote healing quickly. If you don’t have access to fresh aloe, it can also be purchased bottled from most pharmacies. Just make sure that the brand you buy is 100% pure aloe and doesn’t include any alcohol or other fillers that could dry out your skin.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has some amazing effects on scar tissue, and this includes a tummy tuck scar! Rub olive oil into the scarred skin daily and avoid wiping it away. Allow it to naturally seep in to the skin to reduce the look of the incision scar.
Another tip to reduce the look of your scar is to avoid picking at it. Not only will this inflame and make a scar more prominent, it can also pose the risk of infection. Instead of picking, try these practical approaches to reducing the appearance of your scar and restoring the surface of your skin after your tummy tuck. Talk with your surgeon regarding the least-invasive surgical techniques to minimizing scarring afterward.