Abdominoplasty, scar with Shamá method®
Shamá Clinic has since 1985 treated many people with abdominoplasty scars whom have had great results with our unique treatment method, the Shamá method®.
1000´s of documented treatments have been implemented and therefore we can with confidence say that our method removes alternatively corrects scars by 50-90%.
Nobel Forum, Karolinska Institute & International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) has recognized Shamá method® for its good result. Learn more about our references here!
Patients referred from Swedish county hospitals and foreign medical facilities are continuously sent to Shamá Clinic for treatment.
How does the abdominoplasty, scar look like and where is it located?
Abdominoplasty surgery is a cosmetic and reconstructive procedure to remove excess fat and skin tissue of the abdomen. abdominoplasty scar is usually located in the lower belly as a horizontal line close to the pubic hair, typically from one hip side to the other hip. If the navel has been replaced, then there will also be scars around it. Depending on the surgeon’s skill and your anatomical conditions, abdominoplasty scars can have different appearances. The desired result is a thin and even incision a few millimeters in width along the abdomen. The color of the scar can range from white to dark brown which is mainly due to your natural skins pigments. Hardening of the scar tissue is normal and usually goes away within a year. Sometimes callus tissue persist, this can be a symptom of necrosis, fat that has lost blood supply and died or large scar development i.e. keloids. Scarring can also be a reaction to the sutures (stitches), where muscles tightened.
How we treat scars after abdominoplasty surgery with Shamá Method®
Abdominoplasty scars are situated on an area that is exposed to daily stress. Therefore, it may require more care in treating the abdominoplasty scar tissue compared to an area that is exposed to less stress, i.e. arms and face. The first visit is very important because we thoroughly examine your scars and anatomical conditions. You can read about the first visit (consultation) here! You can also read further here about our treatment method: Shamá method®!
Phase 1 The first phase of scar treatment is to examine and determine the scar injury in question. The surface of the scar tissue is prepared and penetrated with medical products and antioxidants. These gentle products soften and smooth out the uneven scar tissue. A sterile disposable needle goes very gently into the skin, barely a millimeter deep and is thus not painful. The products used sinks superficially through the skin and acts on the scar days after the treatment. It is important to take care of the treated area according to the instructions given. The care after scar treatment is an important step for getting a good result. Radio frequency therapy helps stimulate collagen in the skin which complements the Shamá method®.
Phase 2 Second phase involves a smoothing of the injured skin surface as well as improvement of melanin (pigment) damage. Several different pigments are mixed together to even out the hyper- or hypopigmentation. The first treatments smooth out the surface texture of the scar and thus forms a foundation that will be a good base for improvement.
Phase 3 In the third phase of the treatment, the scarring is treated to the degree where the scar´s structure achieves a harmony in color and form with the unharmed skin, thus reducing the scar until it is no longer visible.
How many scar treatments needs to be done & the time between them? 
It is necessary with at least 4 treatments for a satisfactory result. The scar is treated very carefully and the treatment is repeated at 8 to 30-day intervals depending on the characteristics of the scar. This is to avoid more stress on an already damaged skin. Every scar, even on the same person can have different properties. For an assessment, a personal visit is required where the scar is examined. Even then, a complete assessment may not be possible. After the first scar treatment, one will come to know the scar and your skin properties completely, or at least well enough for a successful treatment process. The Shamá method® scar treatment is a gentle method and therefore is repeated several times for a great and safe result. The average number of treatments is about 4-6.
What can one expect after a successful abdominoplasty scar treatment?
We have performed 1000s of documented scar treatments on different skin types, and can with confidence say that our method removes scars, alternatively corrects by 50-90%. Every case is of course on an individual basis and only after a consultation can a proper assessment be given. A scar is injured skin tissue and sometimes an overall visible repair isn’t possible. However, it can be much better than before. Many clients and patients have been satisfied with a visible improvement.
Can I return to everyday life as usual after a scar treatment?
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to return to everyday life as usual. The treated scar should not be covered with bandage. The first few days you should be careful with heavy exercise where you sweat a lot.
Does it hurt when you treat abdominoplasty, scars?
Some experience a tingling sensation, but this is not a painful procedure. Usually, only a topical anesthetic is needed which is applied for about 30-60 minutes. If you are very sensitive, stronger anesthetics is used if necessary.
Does side effects or injuries occur after a scar treatment?
After 30 years of well documented work, the Shamá method® has not shown any side effects, complications or hazards. The scars are treated in several sessions to create the best outcome which ensures that there are no complications or abrasions on the already damaged scar tissue. Many people believe that because the scar is thick and hard, the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) is also more durable. On the contrary, the scarred skin is more fragile than the normal skin and therefore it has to be treated in several stages with care and diligence.
What happens when I expose the treated area to sunlight?
It’s fine to expose oneself to sunlight two days after scar treatment. However, excessive sunbathing is not recommended.