Share pictures of your healed scars?
Hi folks,
Would you be willing to post or otherwise share pictures of your PS scars 3 months, 6 months or a year or more out? Any kind - thigh, LBL, arm?
I had an LBL and BL/BA in November. I'm having a long thigh lift soon. But there are some spots on my LBL incision that are pretty wide, purple and ugly. I'm worried about having similar scars on my legs since they will be visible and there's a lot of tension on the long thigh lift. I know Dr. S does external stitches and I've seen past postings of other techniques (glue, "pie crust"). I'm wondering if one technique over another makes a big difference in the long run...
Thanks,
Britt
Would you be willing to post or otherwise share pictures of your PS scars 3 months, 6 months or a year or more out? Any kind - thigh, LBL, arm?
I had an LBL and BL/BA in November. I'm having a long thigh lift soon. But there are some spots on my LBL incision that are pretty wide, purple and ugly. I'm worried about having similar scars on my legs since they will be visible and there's a lot of tension on the long thigh lift. I know Dr. S does external stitches and I've seen past postings of other techniques (glue, "pie crust"). I'm wondering if one technique over another makes a big difference in the long run...
Thanks,
Britt
(deactivated member)
on 3/16/12 1:23 am
on 3/16/12 1:23 am
I had ETT 6 months ago and my scar is about the only thing I like. My doctor does the stitches inside and then uses some kind of glue and you really cant notice a scar at all, now as far as my tummy I think he should have taken more off or maybe it's me being too hard on myself I don't know.
I'm sure you probably already know the stages of the scarring but just in case you forgot -
1) Basic Incision Lines
From post op - two to four weeks (typically)
The stage right after surgery where all you see is the neat straight line of flesh sewn together. This is the stage where you think to yourself, "wow, is that all there will be? that is not so bad". Of course, it looks so neat and clean and small because no healing has taken place.
2) Red Stage
Immediately following stage 1 and lasting up to 6 months depending on your body and healing.
The stage where healing starts to take place and the tissues begin to react to the trauma and repair.
The skin can look red or angry compared to the inital appearance. The redness extends outwards from the incision site a small amount. Your body is forming extra blood vessels to support the scar tissue, thus the 'red look'. Scars should still be flat.
3) Purple Stage
Follows the Red Stage and usually lasts for until 1 year post op.
This is the stage where most of the scar tissue has been created and the body is now just continuing to heal. The scars change from that "I am hurt red" to a reddish purple or bruised purple look. Although this can be a time that is scary since the scars seem larger and darker than at any previous time, it is actually a great sign showing that your body is on its way to the final look. If you can apply pressure to the scar with your finger and see the scar turn momentarily white, you are in this phase. This means you're doing great!
4) Final Phase
Usually begins at 1 year post op with continued progress typical for an additional 6-12months
What was purple will begin to turn white and slowly lighten and fade away. You may be super lucky and have the scars lighten so much that they blend in with your skin. Depending on where the surgery site was and your genetics and nutrition, you may have some scars darker and more visible that what you would like. Regardless, all that sagging flesh is gone so who cares!?
In case you don't want to read all of the above - here is the short version:
Purple is good. This means you're mostly healed and just have to wait for the scars to turn white/skin colored (about 1year post-op).
It doesn't matter what type of sealer (surgical glue or steristrips) a surgeon uses when closing as far as the scarring goes.
1) Basic Incision Lines
From post op - two to four weeks (typically)
The stage right after surgery where all you see is the neat straight line of flesh sewn together. This is the stage where you think to yourself, "wow, is that all there will be? that is not so bad". Of course, it looks so neat and clean and small because no healing has taken place.
2) Red Stage
Immediately following stage 1 and lasting up to 6 months depending on your body and healing.
The stage where healing starts to take place and the tissues begin to react to the trauma and repair.
The skin can look red or angry compared to the inital appearance. The redness extends outwards from the incision site a small amount. Your body is forming extra blood vessels to support the scar tissue, thus the 'red look'. Scars should still be flat.
3) Purple Stage
Follows the Red Stage and usually lasts for until 1 year post op.
This is the stage where most of the scar tissue has been created and the body is now just continuing to heal. The scars change from that "I am hurt red" to a reddish purple or bruised purple look. Although this can be a time that is scary since the scars seem larger and darker than at any previous time, it is actually a great sign showing that your body is on its way to the final look. If you can apply pressure to the scar with your finger and see the scar turn momentarily white, you are in this phase. This means you're doing great!
4) Final Phase
Usually begins at 1 year post op with continued progress typical for an additional 6-12months
What was purple will begin to turn white and slowly lighten and fade away. You may be super lucky and have the scars lighten so much that they blend in with your skin. Depending on where the surgery site was and your genetics and nutrition, you may have some scars darker and more visible that what you would like. Regardless, all that sagging flesh is gone so who cares!?
In case you don't want to read all of the above - here is the short version:
Purple is good. This means you're mostly healed and just have to wait for the scars to turn white/skin colored (about 1year post-op).
It doesn't matter what type of sealer (surgical glue or steristrips) a surgeon uses when closing as far as the scarring goes.