How to Minimize Scarring
From the first time you skinned your knee on the pavement to the moment you decided you wanted plastic surgery, having scars has been a part of your life. The appearance of a scar depends on various factors such as the nature of the injury, your age, and its anatomical location, but no matter the cause, scars are generally considered unsightly and unattractive. While nobody wants to have ugly scars, sometimes scars are unavoidable. Here are some ways to minimize your scars so that you can more fully enjoy all the benefits of plastic surgery.
Stay Out of the Sun
Just as ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause healthy skin to burn, freckle, or tan, direct sunlight can cause scars to darken. Staying out of the sun or covering your scar with clothing will prevent your scar from darkening and becoming more noticeable.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a protective barrier that shields your skin from harmful sun rays. It helps to protect your scar from UVA and UVB rays so that it does not darken.
Take Care of the Injury or Incision Site
Keep your injury or incision site covered, and moisturize for the first few days to encourage healthy healing. This will reduce your chances of developing a large, unsightly scar.
Use Silicone Gel Sheets
Silicone gel sheets can minimize the appearance of scars after surgery. These sheets can prevent excessive scar tissue from growing and can flatten and soften scars while they form. Wear silicone gel sheets to reduce scarring after surgery.
Use Creams
Lotions and creams hydrate your skin to keep it healthy. Incisions heal faster and better when kept clean with daily washing with soap and water and when not allowed to dry out by using ointment such as bacitracin.
Hide Scars With Concealer or Makeup
You can minimize the appearance of new or prominent scars using the wonders of makeup. A green-toned concealer can disguise red or pink scars, and yellow-toned concealers are effective at hiding brown scars. For scars that are lighter than your natural skin tone, find a concealer that matches your skin tone to minimize the scar. Even if you can’t get rid of your scar entirely, makeup can help you hide it so that it blends well with the rest of your skin.
Follow Doctor Recommendations During Recovery
During recovery from plastic surgery, nothing is more important than following your surgeon’s recommendations. The doctor will give you guidelines for careful cleansing and washing, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet full of vitamins and nutrients. The doctor has your best interests at heart and gives these recommendations to help you heal properly and reduce your risk of scarring.
Choose a Skilled Surgeon
Most importantly, choose a skilled surgeon for your plastic surgery procedures. Just like you shouldn’t ask your thirteen-year-old best friend to pierce your ears for you, you shouldn’t go to an inexperienced plastic surgeon for your procedure. Dr. Hiatt is a well-respected board-certified plastic surgeon who offers the utmost care to minimize scarring with the most successful surgical results.
To learn more about how to minimize scarring or to schedule an appointment for a surgical, non-surgical, or minimally invasive procedure, book your personal consultation with Dr. Hiatt. Please call our office at (480) 844-1410, or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.