Life After Weight Loss
Healing Secrets: Tips on Improving the Appearance of Scars After Surgery
“I would love to have surgery on my problem area, but I am just too worried about the scar."
Everyone is concerned about scarring after surgery. What will the final appearance be? What can I do to make my result the best it can be? Well, there are many factors that play a role in wound healing, some of which are out of your control. The good news is, there are actually quite a few things you CAN do to optimize your outcome.
In the immediate post-op period, there are some self-care rules that must be followed. Smoking is off limits—this can compromise blood flow and oxygen delivery to the wounds and cause them to break open and even cause the skin to die. Adequate fluids and protein intake are essential—the building blocks for all aspects of healing are based in protein and water. Compression garments are key—controlling swelling and minimizing pain keep you on track for a speedy recovery. Avoid strenuous activity—too much, too soon can put unnecessary stress on wounds and delay the healing process. No tanning beds or sun exposure—UV rays can permanently create an unsightly scar.
Once wounds have progressed 4-6 weeks into the healing process, there is a variety of products to choose from that claim an ability to improve scar appearance. It is important to remember that scars are unavoidable and are a natural part of the healing process. Scars form differently depending on the location on the body and the age and quality of the surrounding skin. Some people have a genetic component that gives them a higher susceptibility to thick scars. However, most people find that with time and adequate healing conditions their scars will flatten and fade to a pale color. Moisturizers and daily scar massage assist in this process.
Silicone gel products are commonly recommended by plastic surgeons. This product was introduced in the 1980’s. Multiple studies have shown that it can help flatten and soften raised scars. It is available now over the counter under several brand names at your local pharmacy. You can also find many different preparations available on the web. To be effective, the product must be applied daily (sometimes twice a day) for a minimum of 2-3 months. Intermittent use will not improve scar appearance.
Other options for scar management include steroid injections, topical skin lighteners such as hydroquinone, laser light therapy, and surgical scar revision. Your surgeon will be able to advise you in the decision making process to determine which form of management is right for you. Scars can be unpredictable, but when armed with the facts of wound healing, you can do your best to make your results the best that they can be!
Everyone is concerned about scarring after surgery. What will the final appearance be? What can I do to make my result the best it can be? Well, there are many factors that play a role in wound healing, some of which are out of your control. The good news is, there are actually quite a few things you CAN do to optimize your outcome.
In the immediate post-op period, there are some self-care rules that must be followed. Smoking is off limits—this can compromise blood flow and oxygen delivery to the wounds and cause them to break open and even cause the skin to die. Adequate fluids and protein intake are essential—the building blocks for all aspects of healing are based in protein and water. Compression garments are key—controlling swelling and minimizing pain keep you on track for a speedy recovery. Avoid strenuous activity—too much, too soon can put unnecessary stress on wounds and delay the healing process. No tanning beds or sun exposure—UV rays can permanently create an unsightly scar.
Once wounds have progressed 4-6 weeks into the healing process, there is a variety of products to choose from that claim an ability to improve scar appearance. It is important to remember that scars are unavoidable and are a natural part of the healing process. Scars form differently depending on the location on the body and the age and quality of the surrounding skin. Some people have a genetic component that gives them a higher susceptibility to thick scars. However, most people find that with time and adequate healing conditions their scars will flatten and fade to a pale color. Moisturizers and daily scar massage assist in this process.
Silicone gel products are commonly recommended by plastic surgeons. This product was introduced in the 1980’s. Multiple studies have shown that it can help flatten and soften raised scars. It is available now over the counter under several brand names at your local pharmacy. You can also find many different preparations available on the web. To be effective, the product must be applied daily (sometimes twice a day) for a minimum of 2-3 months. Intermittent use will not improve scar appearance.
Other options for scar management include steroid injections, topical skin lighteners such as hydroquinone, laser light therapy, and surgical scar revision. Your surgeon will be able to advise you in the decision making process to determine which form of management is right for you. Scars can be unpredictable, but when armed with the facts of wound healing, you can do your best to make your results the best that they can be!
