Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Awais Aftab
When it comes to surgery and scarring, it is a very important topic that your surgeon should always address. Even though scarring is almost always going to appear, many variables can impact the amount of scarring, and there are some things you can do to reduce how noticeable it is.
This article explores some of the best and most effective ways to reduce scarring after your visit to a breast surgery clinic.
What is scar tissue?
Scarring is a regular aspect of the body’s healing process. Usually, it occurs when the body builds tissue to repair damaged skin and close gaps after a surgical procedure. The scar tissue can be described as an accumulation of fibrous tissue which appears in the wounded area of the skin. After several weeks, the formed scar might feel tight, raised, or hard. Over the following months, it will become less red, softer, and smoother. The whole process can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
What will influence scarring?
Even though there are numerous things you can do to reduce scarring, such as lifestyle changes, there are some factors that are out of your control.
The most influential factor is your age. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and it takes longer to heal the injured area. Moreover, the body will take longer to heal if you are suffering from a disease such as cancer, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How to reduce scars after breast surgery?
What to do before?
You can make some lifestyle changes to help your body with the healing process before your visit to a clinic. You should always ensure that you live an active lifestyle and eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
Smoking is another factor that can affect your body’s healing ability. Smoke from cigarettes impacts how much oxygen your body can transport, which results in a slower healing process; therefore, you might consider quitting smoking.
What to do after surgery?
After your surgery, the surgeon will give you clear instructions on what to do. He will explain when to remove dressings and what will happen with stitches. How and when you should wash the area and what to avoid.
Keep it clean
Make sure that you are following your surgeon’s instructions. You must make sure that you are changing the dressing as required and are not doing anything that can pull at the skin incision area. The less impact on the area, the nicer it will heal.
Creams and Gels
There are many creams that can reduce the redness and dryness of post-surgery scars. You can buy special scar creams at a pharmacy or use cheaper alternatives such as aloe vera, shea butter, or vitamin e gels. There are also special silicone gels and sheets which might help to heal a scar by reducing their colour and size.
Sun exposure
It’s essential to avoid being in direct sunlight in the first six to twelve months after the surgery. Exposure to sunlight can cause the scar to darken and appear more prominent. The new skin is susceptible to the sun; thus, applying sun cream on the injured area with high SPF is essential to prevent sunburns.
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Do breast surgery scars go away?
Breast surgery scars can be a concern for many women who are considering breast augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction surgery. While these surgeries can enhance the shape and size of breasts, they can also leave visible scars that may take time to fade. The appearance of breast surgery scars depends on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the type of incision, and the individual’s healing process.
While some scars may fade over time and become less noticeable, others may be more visible and permanent. The severity of the scarring can also vary depending on the individual’s skin type and the extent of the surgery. In some cases, additional surgery or scar revision procedures may be necessary to improve the appearance of the scars.
However, there are several steps that patients can take to minimize scarring after breast surgery. These include following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, keeping the incision area clean and dry, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, and using silicone sheets or gels to help reduce scarring. Additionally, patients should avoid smoking, as it can impair the healing process and increase the risk of scarring.
