A big problem in the way of cosmetic surgery is scars. Cosmetic surgeons are always trying to make scars small and as close as they can to invisible. But they also have certain time-tested techniques for minimizing scars that they want their patients to know and use for the best results of their cosmetic surgery. Here are some of them.
1. Have Patience
The renowned cosmetic surgeons at Skingroup always advise patients to wait for the scars to be light. Scars mature slowly and the process typically takes 9 to 18 months to be settled. It’s essential to know that though a scar may be thickened or reddened for the initial few weeks or even months, most of them substantially resolve and you get a much improved appearance by 12th to 14th month. While some scars may be unpleasant early on, you should wait patiently until the full maturation process occurs before interfering. Most of the times, improvements are seen naturally so that special interventions or surgical revisions are not needed.
Even though you might need surgical improvement ultimately, it’s often far less intense than what would have been expected if done earlier (and prematurely). Generally, as long as a scar is looking light pink or red, it’s undergoing maturation. In children, the maturation process may be prolonged further with the periods of growth which also leads to continued improvements.
If only the scar becomes thicker with time than thinner or becoming more red than light, you should meet your cosmetic surgeon immediately. It may be a keloid or hypertrophic scar, conditions that often need earlier intervention.
2. Keep Away from Tanning
While your scars are maturing, you should keep them away from tanning (for protection from UV rays) at least for 6 to 12 months. Tanning can result in permanent dark pigmentation in or around scars called hyperpigmentation which is almost impossible to remove by any method. This dreadful complication can be avoided by using sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), umbrellas and baseball caps, and seeking shade and avoiding peak hours of sun exposure (11am to 2 pm).
3. Apply High-quality Moisturizer
During your initial phase of recovery, when healing is completed, any sutures are removed or dissolved and you have been officially freed from any restrictions, using a high-quality hypoallergenic moisturizer twice a day for 3 to 6 months offers a great benefit. The moisturizer should be gently massaged rather than applying generally.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy used early and all through the course of scar maturation tends to make scars softer, flatter, smoother, more supple and more regular.
5. Silicone Creams
Creams containing silicone also have been found to minimize scar formation during the maturation phase. Surprisingly, it’s not yet been known why it works, but it works.
Discuss with your surgeon before using any of these methods and precautions and you can achieve the best results of your cosmetic surgery.