Can I get scars on stomach removed?

Maz2016

Apologies if I I’m posting in the wrong place. I have 2 nasty looking scars on my stomach from a surgery I had 4 years ago. These are keloid scars meaning they are thick, raised and very very noticeable. I shouldn’t let it bother me but it does more than I can explain. From relationships, holidays, stopped the gym, stopped swimming and all sports etc. it’s affecting my confidence in a big way.

I tried local honey and bio oil but to no avail. I went to my GP and explained my concerns. I should point out he is very old school. He looked at the scars and said oh they look nasty then when I asked if I could do anything he told me try bio oil. When I said that didn’t work he said their your war marks own them. That was his only solution. €60 for nothing! I know I shouldn’t let them bother me but they do.

Has anyone successfully got scars removed/ reduced? Or can this even be done? I’m not a vain person by any means but I can’t stand them.

L1011

Certain types of scars can have their appearance reduced with laser treatment; but keloids would need more medical interventions, and they aren't particularly easily treatable.

You're going to have to see a dermatologist; which could end up being 200 to be told there's no treatment; or that the treatment is very unlikely to work.

10-10-20

Did I correctly hear that the waiting list to dermatologists for non-urgent cases is 4 years....!

MV33

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613393#Comment_119613393

No.

Op. Do you have private health insurance?

Maz2016

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613419#Comment_119613419

Yes, I have a good plan with Laya. Wouldn’t even mind some out of pocket expenses at this stage

MV33

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613440#Comment_119613440

Are you based in Dublin?

If so simply ask your doctor for a referral letter for the Beacon Clinic . Then email info@beaconclinic.ie asking to make an appointment with a Dermatologist or Plastic and Cosmetic surgeon. Provide them with background information in the mail.

it will cost probably 150 to 250 for a consultation so you need to decide if it’s worth it.

Bold Abdu

I've a big 16 inch scar on my stomach (RPLND).

It's not the nicest but I see it as a badge of honour. It's not going away so I think it's the only way to look at it. I never hesitate to take my top off - even though I'm a fat lump!

mk7r

Steroid injections and laser therapy is the only real treatment for keloids, won't make them totally go away but with enough sessions they will look far better.

Expensive and lengthy process though

gmisk

I would have recommended a gel called kelocote (which helped me) but I think it only works for fairly new scars

Maz2016

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613464#Comment_119613464

Thank you I’m Tipperary but wouldn’t mind travelling. Ironically, I had my stomach surgery in the beacon!

MV33

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613547#Comment_119613547

Then you know how it works.:)

Best to just contact them.

Maz2016

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613680#Comment_119613680

Definitely, thank you. Didn’t even know this was an option. Many thanks

Maz2016

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119613482#Comment_119613482

Ha ha, good for you. I wish I had your confidence. Your dead right, it’s the right way to look at it I know

Caranica

If you are prone to keloid scars then you'll risk replacing these ones with new ones if you intervene. You really need to talk to a dermatologist to see if anything can be done.