How to Reduce Scarring After Surgery

The ability of the body to heal after surgery or any type of wound is truly amazing. A scab forms to clean out dead skin and blood cells, and new tissue and collagen rebuild the area in the form of a scar. Dr Zoumaras takes great care to disguise scars within the natural folds of the skin, and with every surgery, he uses his advanced suturing techniques to minimise the appearance of scars. Some uncontrollable factors of the healing process may lead to scars that spread or continue to grow, and in such cases, scar revision may be necessary. However, you can help prevent and minimise the appearance or growth of scars by following these tips.

Eat Nutritiously

Scars are less noticeable the faster they heal, and one of the best ways to accelerate healing is to give the scar and your immune system as much assistance as possible. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean sources of protein. Reduce your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. With more antioxidants and less free radicals in your system, your body will have the fuel it needs to heal quickly.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is likely the worst thing you can do to cause an unsightly scar. Smoking directly inhibits your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the surgical site, as it must spend energy to filter out the toxins that are being introduced by smoking. The incidence of surgical wounds opening up again after surgery is significantly higher among those who smoke. If you are a smoker, be sure to quit at least three weeks before surgery and avoid smoking for several months afterward for the best results.

Exercise

Light exercise is very beneficial to increase blood and lymph circulation. Toxins are more easily removed, and the wound site is refreshed with “new” blood. Oxygen is more efficiently delivered to the area to encourage the tissue to rebuild. Ask your surgeon what physical activities you are able to do after surgery. Depending on your procedure, light to moderate walking is encouraged within the first few days.

Take Care of Wounds According to Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Always follow Dr Zoumaras’ instructions after surgery, which will include keeping the wound clean, watching for signs of infection, and avoiding picking at the scab. Be sure to notify the office if you see any changes to your incisions, increased redness, or new openings. Dr Zoumaras can recommend some topical solutions and at-home remedies that may aid in reducing your scar’s appearance. As you allow your body to naturally heal, the scar will be far less noticeable.

If you are interested in reducing the appearance of scars with scar revision surgery or rejuvenating your appearance with another treatment, please call (02) 9327 1700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.