Will a Tummy Tuck Scar Go Away On Its Own?

Tummy tuck surgery can be a life-changing procedure, restoring confidence and helping patients feel more comfortable in their skin. Still, many people considering abdominoplasty understandably wonder what kind of scarring they can expect and whether a tummy tuck scar will fade on its own. While scarring is inevitable with almost any surgery, you may be excited to learn that with proper care and a skilled surgical team, most tummy tuck scars become adequately discreet over time. 

At Plastic Surgery Vegas, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew G. Silver and Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins take great care to place the incision for tummy tuck surgery in hidden areas and provide advanced tummy tuck scar therapy options to help minimize visible reminders of surgery. Find more information about how to fade a tummy tuck scar and what to know about abdominoplasty scar healing here. 

Will a tummy tuck leave a scar? 

A tummy tuck —or abdominoplasty — involves incisions, which means a scar is inevitable. However, this doesn't mean your scar will be obvious or indefinite in the way many people fear. At Plastic Surgery Vegas, tummy tuck incisions are placed as low as possible, often within the natural crease of the lower abdomen, allowing them to be easily hidden by undergarments or swimsuits. 

How long does it take for a tummy tuck scar to fade? 

The scar from a tummy tuck generally begins to fade noticeably within the first six months but may continue to improve for over a year. During this time, the scar often transitions from red or pink to a softer, more skin-toned appearance. To support the most aesthetically pleasing outcome possible, we recommend ongoing follow-up visits so we can evaluate your healing and introduce scar care therapies when appropriate. 

Can a tummy tuck scar fade? 

Tummy tuck scars don't typically disappear on their own, but they do tend to fade and soften with time. Most patients notice that their scars become significantly less noticeable over the course of about 12 – 18 months, especially when they follow proper scar care instructions. Factors that influence how a scar heals include genetics, skin tone, incision placement, surgical technique, and daily lifestyle routines. 

What can I do to help my tummy tuck scar heal? 

During your tummy tuck recovery, it's important to take specific steps to protect and support the healing of your incisions. These include keeping the incision clean and dry, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from pulling or stretching the area during early healing. Once your incision is closed, your surgeon may recommend additional treatments to further improve the appearance of your scar. These may include tummy tuck scar fading strategies or treatments like:  

• Microneedling or laser therapy to smooth texture and fade pigment 
• Chemical peels for discoloration 
• Ongoing skincare to support collagen regeneration 
• Scar revision as recommended 

Scar therapy after tummy tuck is available to Plastic Surgery Vegas patients and can be customized based on the size, age, and severity of your scar to help the life-changing aspects of your transformation be enjoyed to their fullest. 

Focus on the transformation you deserve with a personalized tummy tuck in Las Vegas, NV  

It's normal to be concerned about scarring before undergoing cosmetic surgery, but most tummy tuck patients are thrilled with their results and find that the scar is a small trade-off for the dramatic improvements in their midsection. If you're worried about how a tummy tuck scar will look or whether you're a good candidate for scar therapy, our experienced team will guide you each step of the way. If you're ready to take the next step toward a slimmer, smoother silhouette, contact our friendly team to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew G. Silver or Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins at Plastic Surgery Vegas in Las Vegas, NV today.