Tips to minimize Scarring after surgery

For individuals contemplating plastic surgery, the prospect of scars naturally raises concerns. In the aftermath of surgery, scars emerge as a natural element of the healing journey. However, there are many different strategies and tips that one can use to help minimize and conceal scars. Guided by the expertise of Illume’s board-certified plastic surgeons scars can become less and less visible as time goes on, with these tips in this blog! Read to learn how to mini scarring after surgery.

 Manage Your Own Expectations 

Individuals vary in their susceptibility to heightened scarring, with some being more prone than others. If you’ve encountered significant scarring in the past or have a family background marked by extensive scarring, it’s crucial to openly discuss these factors with your plastic surgeon. 

 Minimizing Scarring After Surgery

• Scar Gel 

We offer scar gel products that are specifically created to improve the look of post-surgical scars for our patients. 

• Avoiding Exposing Scars to Direct Sunlight  

Protecting your skin from the sun should always be a priority, but it is especially critical when you’re healing from plastic surgery. New scars are more fragile than the surrounding skin and will react differently to sun exposure.  

Any sunscreen you use should be a minimum of SPF 35, and if your scars are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, you should reapply every few hours. You can view sunscreen that Illume has available here.  

• Hydration 

Ensuring proper hydration is a constant necessity for skin well-being, but its significance heightens during the healing process. Well-hydrated skin not only accelerates the healing journey but also reduces the likelihood of scarring.  

• Protecting the Scar 

Resist the urge to touch or pick at your healing incision, and refrain from wearing tight or constrictive clothing around the surgical site. Choose soft, loose attire, especially following body contouring procedures, ensuring that nothing pulls, compresses, or restricts your healing tissues. 

• Additional Scar Treatments  

 There are treatments you can get done to help with the scarring if the scarring is not up to your standards after surgery. If you are concerned about your scars, you can talk with your Illume Doctor for other treatments. 

Types of Scar Treatments 

Non-Surgical Scar Correction 

The non-surgical intervention allows patients to treat acne scars, stretch marks, facial and body scars, and hypertrophic or keloid scars with a range of different techniques. 

• Topical Treatments 
• Microneedling 
• Laser Scar Treatments 

Surgical Scar Correction 

 A plastic surgeon has many options for treating and improving facial scars. Your scar revision begins with a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons, who will take into consideration the extent and location of your scar. Together, you’ll develop a plan that works for what you envision for yourself. 

Let Illume Cosmetic Surgery and MedSpa help reduce and greatly improve the appearance of scarring.
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