Managing Scarring After Cosmetic Surgery
Any type of cosmetic surgery that involves cutting into the skin will create a scar. In most cases, these scars will naturally heal and fade over time. How quickly and how well the scars heal can also be influenced by various factors, some of which you cannot control, but others you can. Here’s a look at post-surgery scar risk factors and management methods.
The role of your surgeon
A skilled surgeon will make every effort to minimise scarring after cosmetic surgery, so it’s very important to research their previous experience and ask questions about how often they have performed similar procedures in the past. They should have the necessary skill and training to select the most suitable tools for the job, and make smooth cuts.
The surgeon should choose discreet places to make the cuts wherever possible, so that they will not be easily noticeable. They should also offer you bespoke advice on how to treat your scars during the recovery period.
What are risk factors for post-surgery scarring you cannot control?
Age
Your age is one of the biggest risk factors that influences the ability of the skin to heal, and unfortunately no one can do anything about this. Older skin contains less of the protein collagen, which is a connective tissue that gives skin its youthful suppleness and elasticity.
As we age, the body produces less collagen, which is why older skin is prone to sagging and wrinkles. The fat layer under the skin also becomes depleted, and the skin becomes thinner. All this reduces the strength and healing capacity of the skin. However, contrary to expectations, older people form finer scars that settle quicker than in younger people
Skin type
Your skin type may also affect its ability to heal. Those who are at the ends of the pigment spectrum, such as very dark skin or very pale skin, tend to produce worse scars than in the middle. Sometimes, susceptibility to scarring can be a genetic trait regardless of your skin tone.
Area of the body
Certain areas of the body tend to produce more pronounced scars than others. Your surgeon should be able to give you more specific advice about this, but generally when the incision is made in the direction of the skin’s natural tension lines rather than across it, the chances of scarring are minimised.
What are risk factors for post-surgery scarring you can control?
Quitting smoking
While we cannot change our age, our general state of health and lifestyle also affects the ability of the skin to heal. Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of healthy skin, because it reduces the oxygen levels and nutrients in the body, which are essential to the healing process, as well as reducing the risk of infections.
If you do smoke, your surgeon is likely to require you to quit smoking at least six weeks before a cosmetic procedure, and refrain from smoking during the recovery period.
Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight
Good nutrition is important to ensure that your body is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and protein it needs to heal properly. Include protein rich foods in your diet, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. If you are vegetarian or vegan, soy products, legumes and nuts are a good source of protein.
Fruit and vegetables are an important source of vitamins that help to maintain the condition of the skin. Dark leafy greens, mushrooms, and raspberries are high in iron, while broccoli, strawberries, oranges, and red bell peppers are high in vitamin C.
A well-balanced diet will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important because excess layers of fat under the skin can disrupt the scar healing process.
Avoiding excessive movement
Your surgeon is likely to advise you to avoid movement and exercise that will place pressure on your wounds during the recovery period. Gentle movement such as walking may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots, but strenuous activity can carry the risk of disrupting the scars, causing them to become wider or even break.
Staying out of the sun
Sun damage can accelerate the process of hyperpigmentation of the skin, which will make it appear darker. The new skin forming over the wounds will also be softer and burn more easily. Therefore you should avoid exposing your scars to direct sunlight for at least six months after surgery.
Following after care advice
How your wounds are managed post-surgery will depend on the type of procedure you have had, and any chronic illnesses which you may have. Your surgeon is likely to provide you with individual instructions on how to manage your wounds, such as keeping them clean, and wearing dressings and compression garments.
It is often helpful to massage your scars three to four times daily with appropriate moisturising cream to help it mature and settle faster,
If you are naturally prone to excessive scarring, additional scar care measures such as silicone gel applications may be recommended by your surgical team.
If you would like some information about cosmetic surgery in Hull please get in touch today.