Reduce the Appearance of Scars after Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery can greatly improve a person’s appearance. However, many patients are concerned about the scars that result from surgical procedures. Since incisions are made in the skin during cosmetic surgery, scars are an inevitable consequence of these procedures. However, most incisions can be placed in discreet locations, and patients can take measures to reduce post-surgical scarring. In this post, we review how the appearance of scars can be minimized.

• Tobacco smoking must be ceased for two weeks before undergoing any surgical procedure, particularly for cosmetic surgery. The nicotine in tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels and slows healing. This can slow the rate at which incisions heal and increase the risk of scarring after surgery. Smoking marijuana should also be stopped.
• Ideally, patients should be at a healthy weight before undergoing surgery. Being overweight can make it difficult for a plastic surgeon to make clean incisions and stitching. This can lead to an uneven, more noticeable scar.
• Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body. In order for the skin to heal quickly and with minimal scaring, patients should drink plenty of water.
• A balanced diet is vitally important to keeping the skin healthy and ensuring it heals with minimal scars. Patients are advised to supplement their diet with plenty of lean protein from meat, fish, poultry, soy, or protein powders. Protein helps the skin to rebuild. Patients should also take a multivitamin.
• Proper wound care is essential to the health and look of the skin after surgery. Patients must take care to cover the incisions while bathing for the first week or two following surgery, If the incisions become infected, the scars can worsen.
• Those whose scars are not covered by clothing must invest in a good, high SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can darken the scar and the area around it, and make the scar much more noticeable. People with exposed incisions should seek shade during the day, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is strongest.
• Patients must be sure to take off adequate time from work and exercise routines to rest. Strenuous exercises that put strain on the incision site can stretch the skin and lead to an uneven, noticeable scar.  Also, sleep balances hormones and reduces stress levels, which is beneficial to overall skin tone and healing.

Treatment

After the incisions are healed, there are things patients can do to minimize scaring.

• Creams and at-home treatments: Silicone scar sheets, retinol creams, and creams like Mederma can reduce the production of collagen associated with keloid scars; these have been shown to reduce the appearance of scars. Aquaphor and Neosporin also work to keep the skin moisturized and can make scars appear smoother.
• Massage: When the incisions are healed, it may be beneficial for patients to massage the area to reduce the formation of scar tissue, or to soften existing scar tissue. Some spas offer scar massages.
• Exercise: Patients should resume exercise once they are healed. Regular exercise is beneficial for the skin as scars continue to heal because it increases blood flow to the skin, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the incision site.
• Medical treatment: Microdermabrasion and certain laser treatments help to stimulate cell turnover. These methods should not be pursued until eight weeks past the surgery, and should be performed at a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.