Why every procedure leaves a scar
Removing excess skin requires an incision, and any incision heals as a scar — there’s no way around this trade-off, and it’s worth being fully comfortable with it before choosing surgery. What Dr. Borsuk can control is where the incision is placed, how carefully it’s closed, and guidance on the aftercare that gives you the best possible outcome. What can’t be fully controlled is your individual healing response — genetics, skin type, and how your body forms scar tissue all play a real role.
Where scars are placed, by procedure
| Procedure | Scar Location |
|---|---|
| Tummy Tuck | Low horizontal line, plus a smaller scar around the repositioned belly button |
| Mini Tummy Tuck | Shorter low horizontal line only |
| Panniculectomy | Low horizontal line, similar to a tummy tuck |
| Arm Lift | Along the inner/back of the arm from armpit to elbow, with a Z-plasty at the armpit itself |
| Thigh Lift | Groin crease, sometimes extended vertically down the inner thigh toward the knee |
| Back Lift | Horizontal line along the bra line |
| Body Lift | Circumferential — all the way around the torso at the belt line |
| Breast Lift | Around the areola, and/or vertically and along the breast crease, depending on technique |
| Breast Augmentation | Most commonly in the breast crease |
Exact placement varies by your specific anatomy and surgical plan — this table is a general guide, confirmed in detail during consultation.
The healing timeline
Regardless of procedure, scars tend to follow a similar general pattern:
Scars are typically red, slightly raised, and firm to the touch. This is the most active phase of healing — the scar is still remodeling.
Redness begins fading, and the scar starts to flatten and soften.
Most scars have faded to thin, flat lines — pale, pink, or white depending on your skin tone.
Final scar maturity. Some scars — especially longer or more complex ones, like body lift or arm lift scars — continue subtly improving through this window.
Caring for your scar
Sun protection
UV exposure can darken healing scars permanently — cover the area or use sunscreen for at least a year.
Silicone sheets or gel
Often recommended starting around 4–6 weeks post-op, once incisions are fully closed, to support flatter, softer healing.
Scar massage
Once fully healed, gentle massage can help soften and flatten scar tissue over time.
Patience
Scars look their worst in the first few months and improve significantly over the following year — early appearance isn’t the final result.
Factors that affect how your scar heals
- Genetics — some people are naturally prone to thicker, more prominent (hypertrophic or keloid) scarring
- Skin type and tone — affects how visible redness or pigment changes will be
- Smoking — significantly impairs wound healing and worsens scar quality
- Tension on the incision — areas with more movement (like the armpit or groin) need specific surgical techniques, like the Z-plasty used in arm lifts, to heal well
- Wound care — following aftercare instructions closely supports better healing
Frequently asked questions
Will my scar ever fully disappear?
No — scars fade significantly but don’t disappear entirely. Most patients find the final result far less noticeable than they initially expect, and the functional and aesthetic benefits of surgery outweigh the scar’s presence.
What if I’m prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring?
Let Dr. Borsuk know during consultation if you have a personal or family history of raised, thick scarring. This affects surgical planning and may involve additional scar management strategies.
Can scar creams prevent scarring entirely?
No topical product can prevent a scar from forming — but silicone-based products, used consistently once incisions are closed, are genuinely supported by evidence for improving final scar appearance.
Are scars from combined procedures worse?
Not necessarily worse, just more of them — combining procedures like a mommy makeover means scars from each component. Total scar burden is worth discussing directly if it’s a significant concern.