When you choose to have any type of invasive surgery, the presence of post-surgical scars is inevitable.
As a patient, you can do a lot to ensure a positive outcome by selecting a skilled plastic surgeon who can hide or at least minimize visibility of post-operative scars.
You will also play an important role in caring for your post-operative scars to facilitate a fast and full recovery. In this article, learn the best way to deal with scars after your procedure.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions to the Letter
Whether this is your first-ever surgery or you are used to the surgical process, you can be sure your surgeon is more experienced than you are in how to heal and fade scars!
This is why it is so vital to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions to the letter. From taking your prescribed medications as directed to applying the recommended bandages, tape or treatment to minimize scar appearance, you and your surgeon are a team in making sure the appearance of post-surgical scars is minimal.
Understand Complicating Factors & Do Your Part to Minimize Them
Certain factors can make one patient more prone to visible scarring than another. Three of the primary contributing factors include your age, your genetics and your habits.
While this probably won’t seem intuitive, the truth is that as you age, your skin becomes less likely to create a visible, raised scar. So waiting to have surgery until you are older can be a good strategy if you have a history of visible scarring.
Your genetics also have their own role to play in whether or how much post-op scars may show up. For example, some people readily develop keloid scars (raised, thick, pink scars) while others do not.
Your personal habits can also complicate or aid scar healing. If you use tobacco, ceasing for a period of time can help your body heal faster. If you are very active, taking the prescribed rest period will ensure your scars do not become infected or stretched.
Scar Placement Is Very Important to Post-Operative Visibility
Choosing a board certified, licensed and experienced plastic surgeon brings with it the benefit of their many years of expertise in creating the most natural results.
The best plastic surgeons continually research and study the latest scar placement techniques to hid scars in natural skin folds or less-visible areas of the body or face. Be sure to view your surgeon’s “before and after” client portfolio and read patient testimonials to feel confident in your choice.
Know Post-Op Scar Minimization Options Also Exist
Sometimes despite your best efforts, you wind up with a visible scar. But here, all is not lost! There are many approach that can effectively minimize the appearance of a scar post-operatively.
Some are quite simple, such as using scar tape or massage to protect the area and bring healing blood flow. Other options include lasers, revision surgery and steroid treatments at the scar site.
