Scientific findings show that your skin is your first layer of defense. Once there is damage to your skin, scarring is always possible. This can happen when you get scrapes or even when you undergo surgery. Regardless of where the incision is done or how skilled the surgeon is, this type of precision-cut can still scar. If you’re concerned about scarring after an upcoming procedure, here are effective ways to prevent or minimize surgery scars.
Prevent Surgery Scars
First of all, you should keep yourself hydrated. It has been established medically that dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough fluids. Studies show that in some extreme cases, dehydration can cause heart problems and electrolyte imbalances. If you have a mild case of dehydration, your general health will deteriorate, and you will always feel thirsty. You know if you’re well-hydrated if you have light yellow or close to colorless urine.
Another thing you can do is to stop drinking alcohol. Research reports that alcoholic beverages dehydrate your skin and body, compromising your general health. It is always best to drink non-caffeinated drinks and avoid alcohol if you know you’re having surgery.
You should also quit smoking. It has been reported that smoking delays healing and increases the risk of developing scars.
Eating healthy food can prevent scars as well. Health studies indicate that when you eat protein-rich foods, you promote skin and muscle healing. You can get protein from dairy products, pork, chicken, seafood, and fish. Soy products are alternative protein sources if you don’t prefer meat.
Try to keep infection at bay. Caring for your incision involves preventing bacterial infection. This is one of the most effective ways to keep your surgical wound from scarring.
Lastly, manage your weight. Surgical experts say that excess fat underneath your skin interrupts a surgeon’s attempt to close your skin properly and flawlessly. It is best to lose a significant amount of fat before your surgery to prevent the incision from scarring.
Minimize Surgery Scars
There are a few things you can also do to minimize your surgery scars. These include:
Avoiding sun exposure. Clinical studies suggest that you shouldn’t expose your surgical incision to sunlight. You should cover it with clothes or bandages. Your surgeon will instruct you when it is safe to apply ointments to your incision. The right time is usually when your incision has closed entirely and when the sutures have been removed.
Take adequate rest. Surgeons usually recommend their patients take a week’s break off work and another week off for healing. Physical stress such as lifting, running, or stretching can put pressure on your incision. This usually pulls your incision open and ultimately delays its healing.
Manage your chronic conditions. Studies suggest that chronic illnesses such as diabetes can impede healing. If you have a chronic illness, you should have it controlled first before your surgery and while you recover. For diabetics, sugar levels should stay within normal levels because high blood glucose levels hamper healing.
Research suggests that your scarring depends on several factors such as your genes, age, and healing. Here at Handal Plastic Surgery, we make sure that your skin and overall health are optimal before and after surgery. Please feel free to visit our clinic in Boca Raton, Florida, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also contact us by dialing 561-912-9888 if you want to schedule an appointment or if you have any inquiries.
