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For many women in San Antonio, TX who are considering tummy tuck surgery, the idea of achieving a flatter, more toned abdomen is both exciting and empowering. But one question tends to linger—what about the scar?

Dr. Michael Baumholtz, a dual board-certified Plastic Surgeon based in San Antonio, understands that concern. With years of experience and a reputation for compassionate, results-driven care, Dr. Baumholtz works with each patient to help them achieve their goals while minimizing visible reminders of surgery. Scar placement is the first and most important step - by positioning the incision low on the abdomen, typically below underwear or swimwear lines, he sets the foundation for a discreet, well-healing scar. From there, scar management becomes a key part of both surgical planning and post-operative care, tailored to support each patient’s healing and long-term results.

Why Scars Happen—and Why They Don’t Have to Define You

Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. When the skin is cut, as it is during surgery, collagen fibers rush in to close the wound. But the way your body arranges those fibers varies greatly from person to person. Genetics, skin tone, and overall health can all affect how a scar develops. Some individuals heal with barely-there lines, while others may notice raised or pigmented marks.

Your daily habits also play a role. Infection, friction, sun exposure, smoking and stress on the healing site can widen or darken scars. That’s why meticulous surgical technique and good post-operative care are so critical. Dr. Michael Baumholtz takes both into account, using strategies that respect how skin heals. His goal is not just functional recovery—but an outcome you can feel good about when you look in the mirror.

Smart Scar Planning Starts in the Operating Room

Minimizing scars isn’t just about what happens afterward. It starts with the choices made during surgery. Dr. Baumholtz places the incision low across the abdomen, often beneath the bikini line, so it’s naturally concealed by clothing. He takes the time to make that incision as symmetrical and low as possible, creating a foundation for a discreet final result.

He closes the wound in layers, with dissolvable sutures that minimize surface tension and reduce the risk of suture marks. By aligning skin edges precisely, he promotes more even healing and a smoother skin texture. These surgical choices—subtle to the untrained eye—can make a big difference in how your scar looks a year later. It’s one of the reasons many women in San Antonio trust Dr. Baumholtz with their tummy tuck surgeries.

What You Can Do Right After Surgery Matters Most

Once surgery is complete, the responsibility shifts to healing—and that’s where your efforts matter. Keeping the incision site clean and dry helps prevent infection, which can significantly impact scar quality. You’ll be given instructions on how to wash and care for the area using gentle techniques and approved products.

Movement should be limited, especially bending, lifting, or twisting, all of which can stretch the incision line. A simple act like coughing can place strain on your abdominal wall, so holding a pillow against your stomach can offer much-needed support. Wearing your compression garment is also important; it supports the tissues as they heal and helps reduce swelling, which can affect how scars settle.

Dr. Baumholtz schedules follow-ups during this time to keep an eye on your progress. Early detection of complications means timely intervention, often leading to better outcomes.

Everyday Habits That Help (or Hurt) Scar Healing

Even after the initial few weeks, your daily choices continue to influence how well your scar fades. Silicone gels and sheets are gold-standard tools in scar care. These products work by keeping the skin hydrated and gently compressing the scar to prevent excess collagen buildup, which can lead to thickening or raised scars. Dr. Baumholtz will guide you on when it's safe to begin using these products, based on how your incision is healing. Timing matters, and starting too early—or too late—can reduce their effectiveness.

Sun protection is another non-negotiable. Ultraviolet rays stimulate melanin production and can darken fresh scars permanently. Always use a high-SPF sunscreen or cover the area completely if you’re spending time outdoors. It’s a small habit with long-lasting benefits.

Smoking is one of the most damaging habits for wound healing. Nicotine restricts blood flow, limiting the oxygen and nutrients your skin needs to rebuild. For best results, avoid smoking for several weeks before and after surgery—ideally, quit altogether.

Once your incision is fully healed, Dr. Baumholtz may recommend gentle massage. This can soften scar tissue and improve mobility in the surrounding skin. With just a few minutes a day, many patients notice increased comfort and a more refined appearance.

When Time Isn’t Enough: Advanced Options for Scar Treatment

Despite your best efforts, some scars may need more targeted care. That’s not a failure—it’s simply your body’s healing style. Fortunately, Dr. Baumholtz offers advanced treatments right here in San Antonio to help refine and improve scars that don’t fade on their own.

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and helping to soften and smooth scar tissue over time. When combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), the treatment may offer even greater benefits by using your body’s own growth factors to support healing and improve skin quality. For raised or hypertrophic scars, corticosteroid injections can be an effective option to calm inflammation and gradually flatten the scar through a series of treatments.

In cases where the scar’s placement or appearance is particularly troubling, surgical scar revision may be considered. This involves removing the existing scar and re-closing the area more carefully, often with better cosmetic results.

Each option is tailored to your skin type, scar behavior, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Baumholtz will guide you through the possibilities and help decide what’s best for you.

You’re Not Alone – And You’re Not Just a Scar

The emotional side of surgery is just as important as the physical healing. Many women seek tummy tucks after major life changes—pregnancy, weight loss, or even other surgeries that didn’t go as planned. With those changes can come fears about how they’ll look or feel afterward.

Dr. Baumholtz sees a wide range of women in his San Antonio practice. Some are in their twenties looking for post-pregnancy repair. Others are in their sixties, finally prioritizing themselves after years of caring for others. No matter where you are in life, your concerns are valid—and they deserve expert, compassionate attention.

Scars may be part of your story, but they shouldn’t define how you feel about your body. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident—and Dr. Baumholtz is here to help you get there.

The Value of Choosing a Surgeon Who Listens

Plastic surgery isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal. That’s why Dr. Michael Baumholtz places such a strong emphasis on communication. From your first consultation through long-term follow-up, you’ll be heard and respected.

He offers thorough pre-operative education so you know what to expect, including detailed discussions about scars and healing. After surgery, you’ll have direct access to him—not just his staff—so that any questions or concerns are addressed promptly.

And because healing doesn’t end at your last appointment, Dr. Baumholtz stays involved as your scar matures. He’ll monitor progress, suggest adjustments, and provide support along the way.

When you choose a surgeon who sees you as a whole person, not just a procedure, the results go beyond skin deep.

FAQs About Tummy Tuck Scars

Why does my scar look worse a few weeks after surgery, even though I’m healing?

  • It's normal for scars to go through phases. After the initial closure, the scar may become redder and thicker as collagen production increases. This is part of the normal remodeling phase. With proper care, it usually flattens and fades over time.

Can the way I sleep affect how my tummy tuck scar heals?

  • Yes. In the early weeks, sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated and flexed, with your knees bent can reduce tension on the incision line. Avoid stomach sleeping until cleared by Dr. Baumholtz, as pressure on the healing area may affect scar formation.

What happens if I have a darker skin tone—is my scar more likely to stay visible?

  • Darker skin tones may be more prone to hyperpigmentation or keloid formation. Dr. Baumholtz takes skin type into account when recommending post-op scar treatments, and may suggest preventive options such as silicone therapy or early laser intervention.

How long should I wait before starting scar treatments like silicone gel or massage?

  • Typically, once the incision is fully closed and scabs are gone—around 2 to 3 weeks—you can begin gentle scar care. Always follow Dr. Baumholtz's guidance on timing to avoid disrupting healing tissues.

Will my tummy tuck scar change if I lose or gain weight after surgery?

  • Yes, significant weight fluctuations can stretch or distort the scar. Dr. Baumholtz emphasizes reaching a stable weight before surgery and maintaining it afterward to protect your results and scar quality.

Is it possible for my scar to look different on each side?

  • Mild asymmetry in scar healing is common due to differences in skin tension, movement, or circulation. If significant, Dr. Baumholtz can discuss options for refinement once healing is complete.

Can I improve an older tummy tuck scar years after my surgery?

  • Yes. Scars can be treated months or even years later. Dr. Baumholtz offers solutions like laser resurfacing, steroid injections, or scar revision surgery depending on your specific case and goals.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re thinking about a tummy tuck and wondering how to treat tummy tuck scars, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right questions. With the right care, attention, and expertise, many women achieve scars that are faint, soft, and easy to live with.

Contact Dr. Michael Baumholtz, Plastic Surgeon in San Antonio, TX, to schedule your consultation and learn how a personalized approach to surgery and scar care can make all the difference. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s confidence and peace of mind.

Visit the website to get started on your journey today.

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