Surgical Scars: Expectations and Care
December 31, 2023
Scars are a natural part of healing as your body repairs damaged or lost skin after injuries, infections, inflammation, or surgery. Some scars naturally become less noticeable over time, but there are certain scars, such as those from plastic surgery, that tend to be permanent. On the other hand, it is possible for some surgical scars to become less visible over time, but this depends largely on the surgeon’s expertise and the patient’s approach to aftercare.
If you are prepared to undergo a plastic surgery procedure but have concerns about potential scarring, here is some information to help you make an informed decision.
What to Expect From Surgical Scars
The journey of surgical scar healing can be described as a series of four distinct yet interconnected phases. These phases work together harmoniously, each with its own unique role, to help your skin recover after surgery:
- Hemostasis (0–several hours after surgery) – the body starts closing the wound through clotting
- Inflammation (1–3 days) – inflammatory symptoms may occur as the body controls bleeding and prevents infection
- Proliferation (4–21 days) – the body begins to fill the wound by producing new tissue
- Remodeling (21 days–1 year) – the body continues to repair and strengthen itself by creating scar tissue
How to Care for Your Scars After Surgery
Proper wound care following plastic surgery can help prevent complications, speed up the healing process, and promote less visible surgical scars. Here are some tips for caring for your wound after plastic surgery:
- Always keep the area dry.
- Change your bandages as instructed.
- Clean the wound as directed by your surgeon.
Scars can take 12 to 18 months to heal. Additionally, once your scar has healed, caring for it is just as important as caring for the original wound. Here are some tips for caring for plastic surgery scars:
- Gently massage the scar to help it mature into a soft, non-problematic scar.
- Silicone-based topical gels or creams can reduce the appearance of scars.
- Keep your scar protected from the sun as much as possible.
Top Plastic Surgery Center in Houston, TX
At Body by Ravi, we prioritize your well-being, comfort, safety, and privacy above all else. Our on-site surgical suite is meticulously designed to meet the highest safety standards, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment for every procedure. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our suite enables our team of dedicated and compassionate medical professionals to provide the best possible care. Each member of our staff is extensively trained and brings a wealth of experience to their role, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care throughout your surgical journey.
For more information about post-surgery care or to schedule a consultation for a specific procedure you have in mind, please contact us today at (281) 242-1061.
