Scarring After Plastic Surgery: What You Need To Know

Scarring is one of the common concerns of patients after plastic surgery.

There is a chance that scarring will result from the incisions made during plastic surgery operations.

While your plastic surgeon’s ability will go a long way toward easing discomfort and guaranteeing an unnoticeable scar, what you do following your surgery also impacts how scars eventually heal.

If you’re thinking about getting a body cosmetic procedure or already have one planned, here are some things you should know about post-surgery scars.

How Does the Human Body Heal Wounds?

Wound healing occurs in three stages. Each stage has its own purpose and appearance, as described below.

Inflammatory Phase

The wound will be swollen and red for a few days after your operation and may be painful to touch. This phase happens because inflammatory cells appear and release chemicals to prepare the wound for healing.

Proliferative Phase

During this stage, the scar may noticeably grow in size as healing collagen is continuously added, increasing the wound’s strength.

Remodeling Phase

The final phase is remodeling, lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 months. The scar will shrink as it remodels itself, dissolving the excess healing collagen and replacing it with permanent collagen.

Plastic Surgeons Strategically Place Scars

Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process after an incision. Scarring will almost certainly result from cosmetic procedures that require incisions, but plastic surgeons are notably skilled at making smooth incisions in places that hide them from view.

For example, breast augmentation incisions are usually made below the breast fold, where they are hard to see once completely healed. Incisions for a facelift can be made along the hairline, where they will blend in.

Your surgeon will assist you in deciding how to conceal the location of your incision best, depending on the type of plastic surgery you’re having.

Dr. Nick Masri is a Miami, Florida-based double board-certified plastic surgeon. He uses effective wound closure methods to achieve optimal wound healing and a more visually pleasing scar appearance.

5 Factors That Affect Post-Surgery Scarring

It’s essential to remember that scarring will always be present after any cosmetic procedure that involves an incision in the skin.

The severity of the scar will be determined primarily by an individual’s skin repair response, which can vary depending on the factors listed below.

Genetics

While genetics is a major factor in how our surgical incisions will heal, it is something that neither you nor your surgeon can control.

Age

An individual’s age is a significant factor in the healing of scars. Because older people have less collagen in their skin, scars heal more slowly.

Weight

Overweight patients have a poor blood supply to their adipose tissue, which can slow down scar healing. While it is possible to have high BMI plastic surgery, it’s best to consult your doctor first about weight loss measures you can take.

Sun exposure

For at least 6 to 12 months, avoid exposing any fresh scars to direct sunlight. Scars are highly photosensitive and can darken after extended exposure.

Strenuous exercise

Vigorous movements can cause wounds to stretch. In the first two weeks after surgery, avoid doing exercises that can unduly strain your scars.

You can still do light movements to help blood circulation and avoid blood clots. However, make sure to consult your doctor before doing any kind of exercise.

Tension in Scarring

Any force or pressure pulling the wound apart is called tension. The surgeon and the patient can both influence how much tension an incision site experiences.

Plastic surgeons know techniques to give you the best outcome possible with less discomfort and pain. There are numerous methods for reducing tension on post-surgical incision sites.

Patients should also follow the surgeon’s recommended post-operation care at home for optimal healing.

6 Tips To Reduce Scarring After a Cosmetic Surgery

Most scars will disappear over time, and you can do many things to minimize any skin imperfections that may occur after treatment.

Follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully.

Your surgeon will give you a list of things you should do while recovering from the operation. Ensure to follow each step and reminder for faster healing.

Dr. Nick Masri believes in putting his patients’ needs first. He will provide detailed information on what to do after your procedure to help you recover.

Wear appropriate support clothing.

You may be asked to put on special clothing after some specific cosmetic treatments to help in the healing process.

For instance, your plastic surgeon may advise you to wear a support bra to reduce breast movement and scarring after breast surgery.

Take care of your wound.

During the first few days of recovery, make sure to change your dressings precisely as directed. Avoid doing anything that pulls at the skin around your incisions.

Scratching itchy areas will cause more abrasions. The less you strain the area, the better your chances of reducing scars.

Keeping your wound clean is also critical to reduce the risk of infection, which could worsen the wound and scarring.

Observe the area around the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or inflammation.

Use prescribed creams accordingly.

After the procedure, your surgeon might recommend a cream prescription to help prevent infections that could tighten the area around your incision. Certain creams can also help make scars less visible.

Ask your cosmetic surgeon if there are any specific creams they would suggest. Make sure to apply this to your scars as instructed by your doctor.

Try using silicone tape.

If you have scars on your stomach or breasts after cosmetic surgery, you may try wearing silicone tape. This tape can minimize the appearance of scars by stimulating the skin’s natural barrier and moisturizing the scar.

Keep yourself healthy.

Make sure to eat nutritious and balanced meals every day. Do not forget to drink water regularly to keep yourself hydrated.

Avoid smoking and doing vigorous activities that can cause strain on your wounds. Discuss with your surgeon what activities you can do while you are recuperating.