Reducing the Appearance of Scars after Plastic Surgery

Dr. David Passaretti offers a comprehensive range of plastic surgery procedures that allow patients to enhance their appearance and achieve their aesthetic goals. These treatments include body contouring surgery to eliminate unwanted fat and tone the figure.

Since people seek cosmetic treatment to address imperfections, it is natural for them to worry about scarring after plastic surgery. Patients often wonder how severe surgical scars will be, and if the appearance of scars will compromise their ultimate surgical results.

Although scars are a natural part of the healing process, there are steps a patient can take to minimize their appearance. Here, we offer tips for reducing the appearance of scars after plastic surgery so our Fairfield, CT patients can fully enjoy their plastic surgery results.

What Causes Scarring?

Many plastic surgery patients wish they could avoid scarring altogether, but to understand why scarring is unavoidable, it is important to know what causes it.

Scarring is a natural reaction when the dermis, or deeper layer of the skin, is damaged. To repair the damage of a surgical incision, the body produces collagen. Collagen, which is a protein, acts to heal the wound and stich the skin together.

Unfortunately, as collagen heals a wound, it creates a thicker layer of skin. At first, this skin will appear raised and deep red in color, but as it heals, a scar should gradually lighten. The degree to which a scar lightens will depend on a number of factors.

Tips to Minimize Scarring

Even though a patient can’t prevent a scar from forming, they can take steps to help the skin heal properly.

Following are some important tips for reducing the appearance of a scar after plastic surgery:

• Follow post-surgical care instructions: Initial wound care is vital to how well a scar will heal. Patients should carefully follow all post-surgical care instructions, including how to clean the wound and change any dressing.
• Avoid strenuous activities: Activities like exercise and heavy lifting put excess strain on a wound that can inhibit healing. Even after the initial phase of plastic surgery is complete, patients should avoid strenuous activities. In most cases, patients should wait at least six to eight weeks before resuming these types of activities.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Nutrients play a big role in the healing process. In the weeks following plastic surgery, patients should eat foods that are rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and Vitamin C. Good choices include leafy greens, lean meat, berries, and citrus fruits.
• Consider a scar cream: There are many creams available that help scars heal and minimize their appearance. These creams moisturize the skin and ease tension around the wound. Dr. Passaretti can recommend a cream that will benefit patients as their scar heals.

Contact Us

If you are considering plastic surgery and have questions about how to reduce the appearance of scars after your procedure, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. David Passaretti will be happy to answer all of your questions about plastic surgery and the healing process.