Another Post-Op question Re: Scars healing/fading

Hi everyone.
Sorry to ask so many questions......I'm getting prepared for my Lower Body Lift (w/butt aug) and my Inner Thigh Lift.
So many things race thru my head every day!!

I'm struggling with the timing of having the work done on my legs.  I have been planning on going on a cruise in the middle of Nov (this year).  If I have surgery in Mid July that gives me 4 months to recover/built my strength, let the swelling go down and the incisions fade (I HOPE!).  If I have it done in August I have 3 months.

For anyone who has had their LBL or Inner Thighs or even the Brachioplasty, how long did it take for your scars to start to fade and the swelling to subside for the most part.  I'm not expecting them to be totally gone but at least not flaming red.
Is 3 or 4 months reasonable or am I unrealistic in my expectation?

As always I truly appreciate all your input and sharing!!
Thanks!!
Ruth

 Ruth - my scars are now six weeks along (thighs and they have faded quite a bit - but I'm having all the scars blasted on the 11th of May - a laser that heats up the hemoglobin and bruises you - but they then fade to white (they have to be pink/red in order for this to work).....so...I can let you know how that goes...........sounds like you have time......Susan

Yes, please let me know how this goes.  I see my surgeon this Weds so I think I'll ask him if it is possible for me to do the same on my arms.
Can't wait to hear how it goes for you.
Thanks!!
Ruth

Susan, you look great! Looks like you work out which is great, I love how working out makes me feel and look. I would love to know more about the scar blasting too. Do you have any preop photos? I am not planning on any more PS (money is an issue) but my thighs look similiar to how yours did preop. I couldn't even see your arm scars, but I have alot of loose skin there even with the extra muscles. Hope you are healing up quickly!

deb366

i had surgery o my  inner thighs and y scar runs fro my knee to groin and it looks very good it is not bright red it is pinkish. I ate a lot of protein before durin and after y recovery . protein prootes healing and I put moisturizing lotion on my incision. It ay make a difference in your incision if you are stapled, I was not I was sewn from the inside and only had steri strips on the outside. check out my pix on my profile

Thanks!  I'm curious....what kind of lotion did you use?

I use Gold Bond ultimate healing, my PS said any moisturizing lotion is good he says what flattens the scars is the massaging of the skin when you put the lotion on plus the compression garment helps to flatten them. I bought silicone strips for scars but i didn't need them this surgery so I will save them for my arms

Thanks for the tip on the Gold Bond....I'll pick up some lotion today.

Ruth, I got the 4 inch Gelzone wrap and used it with Aquaphor and was very happy with how it made the scars less prominant and flatter. Doesn't really change the color. My RNY scars are almost gone at a year and my lbl is 6 months out now. The area I had complications shows the most since it took the longest to heal up. I was going to see RNs who were wound specialist due to my complications and they were always impressed with my incision. I wore it pretty regularly at first and then after 4 months very on a off (just at night). I wore it again last night and it did make the back part flatter and it helps it to be moist...in a good way for healing. My lbl incision line is all covered up by my undies and swimsuit so I am not sure why the color is an issue? I am impressed with even though you can see the line in places it just looks like that is how I was made...I figure by a year it should be pretty faded.

I would suggest changing your expectations and give yourself a year...I am very happy I had mine done, I can wear most bikini underware and it is covered up....I am very glad I had it done even though I had complications. The best to you on your upcoming surgery!!

deb366

Hi,
Thanks for the reply....  I'm curious about the "gelzone wraps" ....do you wear them like an ACE Bandage?  I had a terrible time getting the ACE bandage to stay tight on my arms....I'm wondering if this wrap would work better. 
I'm not so worried about the LBL scar, it's more the Inner Thigh (Long incision) that has me wondering/worried.

Thanks for sharing
Ruth