Bandage May Help Minimize Tummy Tuck Scar
Tummy tuck surgery, along with a slimmer abdomen, is known to leave a scar. Although the surgeon can plan the incision carefully to help conceal the scar, patients are often concerned about it.
A new bandage that was recently developed by a plastic surgeon claims to reduce scarring after tummy tuck surgery. A study of a small group of patients showed a statistically significant difference in the ratings of the scars by both plastic surgeons and lay people between the treatment and the control group, with the treatment group getting better ratings for scar appearance.
Dr. Geoffrey C. Gurtner, who developed the bandage, said, “In none of the cases was the treated scar worse than the control scar, which I think is different than some of the biologic agents we’ve seen over the last few years.”
The bandage isolates the wound from the movement of the skin around it. One reason scars form is that skin movement around the incision pulls at the new skin tissue that is growing as the wound heals, causing the scar tissue to thicken and spread out.
The tummy tuck incision is covered by the bandage, which is held on by adhesive strips running parallel to the wound. According to Gurtner, the banadage and adhesive transfers the stress of movement away from where the skin is growing back together. Applications may go beyond cosmetic surgery, according to Gurtne, who reported interest from orthopedic surgeons who perform knee replacements.
How do you Reduce Scarring after Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgeons have a variety of ways to reduce scarring, including surgical scar revision procedures.
- Surface treatments can reduce uneven pigmentation and soften surface irregularities. Such options include dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and skin bleaching agents.
- Topical treatments, such as gels, tapes or external compression, can help in wound closure and healing.
- Injectable treatments can be used to fill depressed or concave scars.
