How to Make Scars Less Noticeable After Plastic Surgery

When the deep layer of your skin is injured, infected, or inflamed, scarring occurs as part of the body’s natural healing process to repair the skin that has been damaged or removed. The scar that forms will have a different colour and texture compared to the surrounding skin. One of the biggest concerns patients who are having plastic surgery such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or breast augmentation usually have is whether the procedure will leave permanent scars. Scarring is an inevitable occurrence whenever you have any form of plastic surgery that involves larger incisions, and some patients can scar more than others even when proper care is taken to protect their skin after surgery. Nevertheless, there are some steps that patients can take, including scar revision from our Vancouver Area office to improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar, restore their functional abilities if scars have inhibited the patient’s movement, and reduce pain or itchiness associated with some scars.

  • Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice

    From the moment you leave the operating room to recover at home, caring for your incisions becomes critical. Make sure you have a clear understanding on when you’ll be able to remove any bandages or support garments, what will be done about stitches or sutures, how you should wash your skin, and which products you should use on your skin.

  • Stay in the Shade

    Sun exposure and fresh surgical incisions don’t mix. Scars are more sensitive to sunlight and tend to burn more easily. They can become darkened by sunlight and appear more pronounced. Wear protective clothes, slather on sunscreen, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

  • Avoid Heavy Workouts or Stretches

    Stretching, straining, or placing too much tension on the incisions can cause healing to be delayed. Avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts until your surgeon says it’s safe to resume them.

Thinking of having a surgical treatment to fix sagging skin or remove unwanted fat? Discover the benefits of scar revision from the Vancouver area Dr. Owen Reid office or learn more about the surgical procedures we offer. Give us a call at 604-343-9309 or submit a contact form if you’d like to meet with us to discuss a surgical procedure.