Question:
How bad is the scarring?

I am concerned about scarring. I do not (or have not in the past) keloid. I saw a photo on a site of the post-incision site on a man. It was frightening. The man had a very large distended stomach area pre-op. Does this play a part in the size of the incision? How have your scars done? Faded? etc....    — Heather P. (posted on March 20, 2001)

March 20, 2001
Actually, I DO keloid up (much to my surprise -- I didn't know this) and the scar is not that bad. Next month will be my one year anniversary and the color is fading, although it is raised it is not that bad at all ... true I will probably never feel comfortable enough for a bikini or a little midriff shirt, but then I am 34 and probably have no business wearing that stuff anyway! :) I guess I'm just trying to tell you not to let it worry you at all ... it is not that bad.
   — Beth B.

March 20, 2001
I am a keloid former, every time, every scar. I got injections at the dermatologist to make them lie down flat and it takes the burning & itching sensation out. Then I've used Scargo to fade them and I DO wear crop tops & such. Oh, they go to the waist, but if I move, and a bit of tummy flashes by, the scar is already (from my revision 1 yr ago) faded enough to pass a casual glance. Rather have even my full keloid at 110# than NO scar at 262!
   — vitalady

March 20, 2001
Everyone is prone to keloids but African Americans are more prone to keloids after surgery or a flesh wound. I am African American and I did not keloid but my brother and one of my cousins do. My scar is dark and hopefully it will fade over time. I'm using a vitamin E oil and cocoa butter to help it fade.
   — Jan M.