Scars are a completely normal part of the body’s healing process and can occur even after the smallest injury to the skin. Most scars fade over time, generally becoming paler and more difficult to see and, whilst most people aren’t bothered about the appearance of scars, they can make others feel self-conscious.
If you are undergoing cosmetic surgery, then post-procedure scarring might be one of your biggest concerns. After all, the point of cosmetic surgery is to boost your confidence, so suffering from severe scarring could have the opposite effect.
A lot of cosmetic surgery patients also don’t want visible scars so that others don’t know they have had the procedure. Your surgeon should advise on the best care for scar reduction following your surgery, but fortunately, there are some things that you can do to minimise the risk of developing significant scarring. Let’s find out more.
What Are Scarring Risk Factors?
Scarring is perfectly normal, however, every patient is unique and some may scar more than others following cosmetic procedures. There are some factors that can make you more likely to develop significant scarring, including:
Age: Older people are much more likely to develop scarring than younger patients due to them having a lower production of collagen. This is the substance that helps to keep our skin feeling elasticated, but production slows down as we age.
Incision Made During Surgery: Unsurprisingly, the very nature of your surgery can affect the scarring. Larger incisions made during more intensive operations are much more likely to scar than smaller ones, as these incisions will likely be cutting through multiple different layers of skin and tissue.
Genetics: Your genetic makeup may also affect the way your body heals and, if you have a slower rate of healing – something that is typically passed down through generations – then you might notice more noticeable scars.
How To Minimise Scarring Following Cosmetic Surgery
Look After Your Wound
During the initial recovery period following your cosmetic surgery, it’s important to look after your wound as instructed by your surgeon. You may be advised to not get the area wet, or you may need to change the dressings frequently, but it is important to follow these to the latter if you want to reduce your chances of developing a significant scar. For example, following a breast reduction in Manchester, your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear a supportive bra, wear tape and gauze to cover the incision and apply creams to keep the skin healthy, all tips that can reduce the appearance of your scar.
Apply Creams
There are certain creams which can help reduce the appearance of any scars following cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe a cream following your operation as a way of reducing the risk of developing any infections in the early part of your healing process. It also helps to reduce the tension in the skin, as tight, dry skin can pull at the skin around developing scar tissue, leading to more prominent scarring. Check with your surgeon before applying, but creams such as aloe vera gel, vitamin E cream and coconut oil can all help lessen the appearance of scars.
Avoid Exposure To Sunlight
The skin surrounding your scar will be very delicate, so if you can, try to keep your scar out of direct sunlight for around 6 months following your surgery. If the unprotected skin is placed in direct sunlight, it is more prone to sunburn which can cause the scar to darken, making it more visible. If you can’t cover the scar, be sure to apply high SPF suncream to the area instead.
If, after your cosmetic surgery in Manchester, you have any questions about the healing process, then it is best to speak to your cosmetic surgeon.