Table of content
Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a one of the most renowned cosmetic procedures in Turkey and around the world, aimed to sculpted body shape through contouring to the abdominal area of the body.
This is performed usually by an invasive surgery that help improves the body shape,however it usually leaves a noticeable scar
This scar while usually placed in a site that can be concealed under clothes,learning the shape, length and color of this scar is an important issue to know and discuss with your surgeon before undergoing this plastic surgery.
In this article we will share with you how this scar change with time, and explain healing and recovery process in detail.
If you are concerned about scar formation, progression and how to minimize its formation contact us today at International Clinic-Istanbul to get a free consultation, you may take your first step toward new body shape.
Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that contours your abdominal area by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue, sometimes including muscle tightening. The procedure involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, removing extra skin, and closing the incision with sutures.
This invasive surgery typically results in scar formation during the recovery and healing process. Doctors usually prescribe medications and provide guidance to minimize scarring.
Healing process after tummy tuck is a prolonged process that starts the next day after the surgery and continues through a year.
During which several changes in the shape, length, color and skin texture occur in the incision site to result in the ultimate shape of scar.
How long does the tummy tuck scar to heal?
Unless tummy tuck surgery gone wrong, scar healing and recovery process typically progresses over several months, it can take up to 1 years for the scar to fully mature and fade
During the first 1-4 weeks of tummy tuck recovery
This is initial period of abdominoplasty healing process, which predominantly shows signs of post-surgery inflammation, such as swollen, mild pain or tightness at the incision site
The wound appears bright red or pink, with swelling and slight protrusion due to fluid accumulation extending along incision site. Addiltionally the wound may feel bit hard due to inflammation
The area surrounding the wound will feel tight and slightly tender, Its normal to experience a "bulge" around the wound.
The scar may become more apparent in most wound sites at this stage which indicates healing process progression.
By the end of the first month after a tummy tuck:
The scar typically appears pink or red in color and slightly raised, with a texture that feels hard or rigid due to new tissue formation. Over time, the scar gradually becomes less prominent and continues to flatten.
The area around the scar also feel rigid, which is a normal part of the healing process. This surrounding skin area often appears swollen and firm, accompanied by occasional itching sensations as healing progresses.
Although the wound has healed enough to prevent infection, the scar is still in its early stages of tissue recovery and requires consistent care, including moisturizing and sun protection, to minimize its appearance over time.
Explore Similar Health Concerns:
Tummy Tuck Scar: Shapes, Healing, and Treatments in 2025
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After: Transform Your Body Contour Now
Three months after a tummy tuck, the scar begins to show noticeable changes compared to the initial recovery period.
While the scar is typically red, painful, and swollen in the first few weeks, these symptoms gradually subside.
By the third month, the scar usually becomes less red and transitions to a pink or lighter color. Though the tissue becomes softer and more elastic, some firmness may persist.
At this stage, various treatments can accelerate healing and improve the scars appearance.
Discover in details how the recovery go over 3 weeks post tummy tuck
Six months post-tummy tuck, the scar begins to significantly improve, although it may not have fully disappeared.
The color of the scar changes, becoming less red and shifting to a lighter pink, or sometimes closer to light or white, depending on skin type.
The the scar tissue also softens, becoming more elastic compared to the early stages. While the scar may still be visible, particularly under direct light, it usually becomes less prominent over time.
The skin around the scar can feel firmer or slightly raised, but these sensations gradually subside as healing progresses.
Over the next few months, the scar may continue to fade, with some patients experiencing further fading by the one-year mark.
For those who follow aftercare instructions, the scars appearance improves noticeably.Using treatments like moisturizers or silicone-based creams can aid the healing process and enhance the scars appearance.
One year after a tummy tuck, the appearance of the scar has often improved significantly.
At this stage,most signs of redness may disappear; the scar becomes more faded, less prominent and more similar in color to the skin, and may turn light or white, especially in fair-skinned people.
The scar becomes smoother, with a visible improvement in its elasticity.
In some cases, the scar may be largely unnoticeable even under direct light.
Discover various types of tummy tuck and learn in depth with type is more proper for you:
360 tummy tuck: a complete body shape makeover
Reverse tummy tuck: the best way for upper abdomen contouring
Mini tummy tuck: injoy your body sculpting with minimun scar
Common treatments applied to improve scar appearance can be started after 3 to 6 months of surgery. This include:
Laser therapy:
This treatment use focused light to break down scar tissue, stimulates collagen production, and smooth the skin. It is one of most popular and effective methods to treat scars, including those from tummy tuck surgeries.
Microneedling and micro needling with PRP
This technique involves tiny needles that create very tiny injuries in skin, these injuries stimulate collagen production and improving texture and appearance of scars.
Microneedling can be used alone or in combination with PRP therapy
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) intradermal injections:
PRP therapy uses patient’s own blood platelets to stimulate healing and collagen production, which can improve appearance of scars by encouraging tissue regeneration.
Mommy Makeover is term used to refer to group of cosmetic surgical procedures that improve body contouring after pregnancy and delivery.
These procedures typically include a tummy tuck to removs excess fat and skin, along with breast enhancement procedures such as a breast augmentation or lift.
It can also include liposuction from other areas of the body for a more symmetrical appearance.
How the mammy makeover scar appear 6 months later after surgery?
The scar from Mommy Makeover, which often include tummy tuck, follow similar healing process to standard tummy tuck.
However, the Mommy Makeover may involve additional scars due to combination of procedures such as breast lift and breast augmentation procedures.
These scars generally heal in a similar way to a tummy tuck.
Proper aftercare can improve scar appearance, but there is no major differences in healing timeline for the tummy tuck portion of a Mommy Makeover.
Empower Your Health Knowledge:
Stages of Swelling After Tummy Tuck: What to Expect in Recovery
Discover the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck to learn which one is better for you
Moisturize the scar area: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. It is an important step during early healing stages to prevent scar from becoming too dry or irritated.
Apply sunscreen to protect the scar from direct sun exposure.
Follow aftercare instructions: Adhere to specific recommendations provided by your surgeon, such as applying topical ointments or creams that promote healing.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can hinder healing process by reducing blood flow to skin, which can make the scar more prominent.
Wear compression garments: These garments help reduce swelling and support the skin as it heals, which can aid in minimizing appearance of scar.