Tummy Tuck scars: What to expect

What it looks like: Your incision will be covered with dressings, so you may not see much of your scar at first. Underneath, it runs low across your tummy from hip to hip, with a smaller scar around your belly button if it has been repositioned.

What's normal: Your lower tummy will feel tight, swollen and tender, and it's common for the skin above the scar to feel numb. A little spotting on your dressings is also normal.

What to watch out for: Complications at this stage aren't common, but let us know straight away if you notice bleeding that soaks through your dressings, swelling that's quickly getting worse, or pain your medication isn't easing. We're here around the clock if you need us.

About the lock and glue technique

Depending on your procedure, your surgeon may use the lock and glue technique. This uses specialised internal stitches alongside surgical tissue glue to secure the tissues beneath your skin after surgery. It helps reduce the empty space where fluid can build up and supports your tissues as they heal, which may mean you don't need traditional surgical drains. You can find out more in our blog, where Mr Bechar explains modern tummy tuck surgery.

What it looks like: Your scar will look like a thin line that's pink or red, and may have small scabs or dried blood along it. Bruising and swelling around the area are common.

What's normal: Tightness, numbness and some tenderness, especially when you stand up straight. You may notice the scar feels slightly firm to the touch.

What to watch out for: Redness that spreads away from the scar, skin that feels hot, any discharge or unpleasant smell, or the wound starting to open. Contact us straight away if you notice any of these.

What it looks like: Your scar should now be fully closed and will usually look pink or red, and may be slightly raised.

What's normal: Itching is very common at this stage and is a sign your skin is healing. Your scar may also feel tight, particularly when you move or stretch. Once your surgeon or nurse confirms your incision has fully closed, you can usually start your scar care routine, such as silicone gel or sheets.

What to watch out for: Small open areas, which are most common in the centre of the scar or around your belly button, a stitch poking through the skin, or a soft, fluid-filled swelling above your scar. These can usually be managed easily, so let our team know so we can check them.

What it looks like: Don't be surprised if your scar looks redder, firmer or more raised than it did a few weeks ago. This is a normal part of healing, as your body is busy producing new collagen to strengthen the area.

What's normal: Some firmness, itching and a darker colour. In darker skin tones, scars may look darker brown rather than red or pink. Numbness above the scar often starts to improve gradually.

What to watch out for: A scar that becomes very thick, raised and itchy, or starts to spread beyond the edges of the original incision. These can be signs of a raised (hypertrophic) or keloid scar, and early treatment can help, so it's worth getting it checked.

What it looks like: Your scar will usually start to soften and flatten, and its colour will begin to fade.

What's normal: The scar may still look pink or slightly darker than your surrounding skin. Some people still notice a little numbness or tightness, which continues to improve over time.

What to watch out for: A scar that is still very raised, thick or uncomfortable. If you're unhappy with how your scar is healing, speak to our team about scar treatment options.

What it looks like: Most scars are much paler, flatter and softer by now, often settling into a thin line that sits low enough to be covered by most underwear and swimwear.

What's normal: Your scar will continue to improve gradually, and it can take up to five years to fully mature. It won't disappear completely, but it usually becomes far less noticeable.

What to watch out for: Scars can darken if exposed to the sun, so keep protecting yours with clothing or a high-SPF sunscreen. If your scar is still raised, red or bothering you, treatments such as laser therapy or steroid injections may help.

Laser therapy is a treatment offered by Pall Mall Medical's consultant dermatologists that may help improve the colour, texture and overall appearance of tummy tuck scars.

The laser uses focused light energy to target the redness in scar tissue, which can help reduce persistent redness and discolouration. It may also encourage collagen remodelling, which can help improve uneven skin texture along the incision line. Treatment is carried out in short in-clinic sessions, and the number of sessions needed and results vary from person to person. Your dermatologist will talk you through what's realistic for your scar at your consultation.

Steroid injections are a treatment offered by Pall Mall Medical's consultant dermatologists that may help flatten and soften thick or raised (hypertrophic) tummy tuck scars, and ease any tightness or discomfort.

The steroid is injected directly into the scar tissue along your incision line. This can help reduce inflammation and break down excess collagen, so over a series of short in-clinic sessions, your scar may become flatter, softer and less itchy.

Everyone's skin responds differently, so your dermatologist will assess your scar first, explain what you can realistically expect and talk you through any side effects, so you can decide whether it's the right option for you.

Cryotherapy is a treatment offered by Pall Mall Medical's consultant dermatologists that may help flatten and soften thick or raised (hypertrophic) scars after a tummy tuck.

During treatment, very cold temperatures are carefully applied to the scar tissue using liquid nitrogen. This can help break down excess collagen in the scar, so it may gradually become flatter and softer as it heals. Treatment is quick and carried out in clinic, and it's sometimes combined with steroid injections for raised scars.

Everyone's skin responds differently, so your dermatologist will assess your scar first, explain what you can realistically expect and talk you through any side effects, so you can decide whether it's the right option for you.