Tag Archive for: plastic surgery scarring

How do I Reduce the Appearance of Scars Following Plastic Surgery?

Have you always wanted plastic surgery but are worried about the resulting scars? While some scarring depends on genetics, type of surgery, and other factors outside of your control, there are many things you can do to mitigate scarring post surgery. Don’t let a fear of scarring keep you from pursuing your goals of plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can rely on Dr. Jane Rowley of Rowley Plastic Surgery and  her extensive expertise during the procedure to keep scars minimal from the start. Here are a few things you can do after surgery.

1. Natural Remedies

Remedies such as St. John’s wort, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea or cocoa butter may all reduce scarring and promote healthy skin. Massage can also help by stimulating healthy blood flow to the healing area and reducing the build-up of scar tissue below the surface of the skin. Be sure, however, to check with your doctor to learn when you can begin massaging topical ointment after plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can rely on Dr. Rowley for expert advice and aftercare.

2. Over The Counter (OTC) Remedies

There are many OTC remedies for scarring. Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be your first line of defense against scarring. Creams, lotions, oils, and silicone sheets can help reduce scarring and help keep your skin healthy and moisturized, though some should be used during healing and some shouldn’t be used until the wound has closed. Check with your surgeon on timing.

3. Procedures

Lastly, there are in-office procedures you can pursue to reduce scarring from plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can ask Dr. Jane Rowley for more information on these procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, Kenalog injections, IPL (intense pulsed light), microdermabrasion, surgical revision, or radiation.

If you have questions about scarring, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today. You can schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your concerns with Dr. Rowley and put your mind at ease knowing you’ve chosen the best plastic surgery Lubbock has to offer. Call now.

What Will My Scars Look Like Post-Procedure?

Plastic Surgery and Scarring: What Will My Scars Look Like Post-Procedure?

 

You may be so excited about your upcoming plastic surgery procedure and your new look. That’s great! Excitement and enthusiasm before surgery rather than anxiety and nervousness is a good thing. However, you should know that after your surgery is complete, you will see some scars for awhile. If you choose to get multiple procedures done at the same time, (sometimes called a “mommy makeover”) then you will have scars in varying locations on your body. Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will give you complete details on what kinds of incisions will be made, and how long your scars will take to heal and to what degree they will appear permanently.

 

Here are some common plastic surgeries and the scarring associated with each:

 

Tummy tuck:

You can expect a low horizontal abdominal incision. If you have more skin that needs to be removed, the incision typically will be longer. Most incisions are made at or below the bikini line, so the final scar is not obvious to others even in swimwear.

 

Breast augmentation:

This incision is about two inches long and can be made in a couple of different locations. Some patients choose to have the incision underneath the breast. However, you can also have the incision under the armpit, or around the areola. If you have a breast lift along with an augmentation, then your surgeon should outline the best place for the incisions to be located. Since this is a short incision, the result will be two short and small scars.

 

Liposuction:

Incisions for liposuction are much smaller than other procedures, which results in less noticeable scars. They usually fade significantly over time. Sometimes a mark is left on the skin after liposuction called a dyschromia, which is a dark or light spot on the skin. This is not a true scar, but it can happen.

 

In Lubbock, you don’t have to go far to find an expert, personable, educated plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. Dr. Jane Rowley devotes her time and energy to her patients, making them feel instantly comfortable and secure in every part of their decision. At your no-obligation consultation, she will go over each procedure you choose step-by-step and explain the incisions and scars associated with each one. Contact her office today to find out more.

How Can I Help Reduce My Plastic Surgery Scars?

When you schedule an appointment for a plastic surgery procedure, your goals for the procedure never include getting as many scars as possible. Scars are a natural result of the surgery incisions and are often unavoidable, but there are things you can do to help minimize the appearance of scars.

 

Select the Right Doctor

 

For patients in Lubbock, plastic surgery performed by a board certified surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley will not only give you confidence in the quality of the surgery but also in the care shown to avoid extensive scarring. Although MDs can perform cosmetic procedures, they are not necessarily trained in the aesthetic aspects of plastic surgery. Board certified plastic surgeons have the training and techniques to minimize scarring and to ensure that not only is the procedure medically correct and safe but that it also looks as natural and appealing as possible after it heals.

 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

 

Your diet and lifestyle choices can have an effect on how your skin heals. There isn’t a special diet specifically to promote healing, but a diet balanced with good nutrition, full of vitamins and nutrients, will help your body better heal and recover after surgery. One of the biggest lifestyle choices that determine how you will heal after your Lubbock plastic surgery is whether or not you smoke. We hear all the health warning about how smoking contributes to cancer and lung disease. But smoking also causes problems with the circulation in your skin and can slow down the healing process after surgery as well as increase your risk for complications. So, before your plastic surgery, make sure you eat a healthy diet and if you smoke, decide to stop smoking for the benefit of having healthier skin.

Other Issues to Consider Before your Plastic Surgery

 

Lubbock patients are as different as the types of cosmetic procedures they can choose. Scarring also has a variety of reasons to consider. Things such as:

 

  • Incision Placement
  • Genetics
  • Type of Procedure and Technique Used
  • Silicone Tape on Incisions
  • Topical Creams

Dr. Jane Rowley will always carefully consult with her patients before any procedure to explain a procedure and the expected scars that can be associated with the surgery. Dr. Rowley is the leading board certified surgeon for options in plastic surgery Lubbock patients trust. Call today and schedule your no-obligation consultation.

Tips for Reducing Plastic Surgery Scars

lubbock tummy tuckIn addition to hoping for a successful surgery, often patients are concerned about ensuring a successful recovery–including minimal scarring. Certainly there are factors beyond your control in managing scars after having Lubbock plastic surgery. Factors that contribute to scarring or the visibility of scarring include: old age; fair skin; genetic tendencies; and the size, depth, and location of your incision. Most of these factors are set for you, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel helpless since there are plenty of things you can do to help your healing process and reduce the appearance of scars.

 

How to Reduce The Appearance of Scars

  1. Stop smoking.This certainly is not an easy thing to do, but it is incredibly important for your recovery. You should begin eliminating smoking from your lifestyle several weeks before your surgery, and then continue abstaining for several months after. Smoking limits the oxygen levels in your blood and causes the blood to carry carbon monoxide. Your body needs lots of fresh oxygen to heal properly after plastic surgery in Lubbock. Smoking and insufficient oxygen levels can lead to complications in your recovery.
  2. Drink LOTS of water and eat plenty of fruits and veggies. The better your nutritional intake, the healthier your immune system will be to aid your recovery. Coffee, alcohol, and soda do not count toward your overall needed water. Fresh, clean water (preferably filtered) is a must for scar reduction.
  3. Properly care for the wound as it heals. Keeping the wound clean and hydrated. Absolutely do not pick at the scab as it heals. Flat silicone sheeting can help a scar retain a low profile by keeping it from raising above the level of the surrounding skin. Certain creams can also help. You may notice swelling and bruising around the surgery location. For example, breast implants may seem larger than expected as you wait for swelling to reduce. Give yourself time for you body to recover from the initial shock of Lubbock plastic surgery.

A little bit of love and a lot of patience can help you gently care for your wound as it heals. The more you can do to live a generally healthy lifestyle with good food, exercise (as appropriate, pending your type of surgery), and good hygiene, the better your chances are for a thorough recovery with minimal scars. And within a short time your breast implants or other surgery will be well on its way to perfection.