Dos and Don’ts for Scarring after Plastic Surgery

Lip fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic or aesthetic procedures done today. It’s fast, instant, and solves problems associated with aging, such as thin lips, drooping, or sagging lips.

However, because so many women, and men, have had the procedure, there are so many cases wherein lip injectables have affected the smile of these individuals. And many of them for all the wrong reasons. So how do injectables change your smile?

Let’s discuss what lip fillers are, what they’re supposed to do, and how you can prevent your smile from changing for the worst.

When it comes to stages of healing, there are three that surgical scars go through: the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling stage.

This is the stage immediately after surgery. It only lasts for a few days. During this time, bleeding and oozing will usually stop and white blood cells travel to the incision sight in order to ward off infection. While this is happening, the incision will appear red and swollen.

The next stage is the proliferative stage and it occurs over a few weeks. When it begins, skin-forming cells that produce collagen known as fibroblasts will gather at the incision site and start to bind the incision together. That process will pull the edges of the wound together and promote healing. This is when scars will appear thick and red, becoming very obvious. Many people are concerned about the appearance of their scars during this time period. However, stage two is only the second stage and it can last for up to six months.

This is the final stage of the process and can take up to two years. During this time period, the scar that is red and raised will transition to a flat, thin scar which will usually fade over time and may not even be noticeable.

The biggest factor when it comes to healing is time. However, there are a few tips that you may want to know in order to keep your scars healthy and healing optimally.

For incisions on your body, surgical tape will remain for about three weeks to provide support. If the incisions have healed at that time frame, it’s recommended to use silicone scar tape for another 12 weeks. This tape can be reapplied every 4-7 days. Not only will it provide support and prevent irritation, it also encourages healing and collagen restructuring. After three months are over, you can continue with the tape or use a silicone scar gel daily for the first 1-2 years.

If you’ve had a facelift or other facial procedures, the surgeon won’t apply tape to the incisions. You’ll initially use an antibiotic ointment to avoid infection risk. After it’s healed, many surgeons will suggest using a silicone scar gel daily. Applying this daily for the two years after your surgery will ensure scars heal to be flat and soft.

Scars are sensitive when they begin to heal so using products that are irritating or stimulatory can impact the long-term healing and appearance. There are a few tips that you should use to avoid running into any problems.

In addition to these dos and don’ts, you want to follow a healthy diet that’s rich in nutrients which will promote healing and recovery. Diets rich in Vitamin C, for example, will encourage collagen production and aid in wound healing. If you have any health conditions such as diabetes which may delay healing, always talk to your surgeon for advice.

If you have any please questions, reach out to the Politis Plastic Surgery to discuss your concerns with Dr. Effie Politis. Use these tips to optimize your healing and minimize scarring.