When considering any surgical procedure, many are more concerned with having a noticeable and unsightly scar than the true reason for the surgical procedure itself. In the case of a cosmetic procedure, we all want the most natural look possible with no scars to give away the fact that you had anything done. Here at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will individualize your scar regiment to make sure your scar after surgery is minimized and unnoticeable.
The scar regiment system that is individually tailored for each patient starts from the onset of surgery. Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will give you individualized scar care information after your surgery. It will be important to follow these instructions carefully in order to allow your scar to heal the best way possible. Important things to avoid during the healing process include:
- Smoking: You will have had to quit smoking 2 weeks prior to your surgery and it will be just as important not to smoke during your healing process as it can slow your healing process And lead to an unsightly scar.
- Drinking: Alcohol dehydrates both the body and skin, which decreases your overall state of health. While your wound is healing, avoid alcohol and focus on non-caffeinated beverages in order to promote proper healing.
- Nutrition: It will be important to eat a balanced diet before and after your surgery with an emphasis on protein intake (chicken, fish, pork, seafood, beef, dairy products). Soy is an excellent alternative as a lean protein if you prefer not to eat meat.
- Hydration: Drink lots and lots of water after your surgery to keep your body healthy and aid in your healing process!
Once your scar is fully healed, Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will begin you on a scar regiment to help minimize the appearance of scars. One option is self-adhesive silicone sheeting. These are small silicone-covered patches that adhere to the skin over and around the incision site. The use of silicone sheeting has been shown to produce even more dramatic differences in healing when used on patients who are at high risk for developing keloids or hypertrophic scars.
The other option is the scar cream Biocorneum which is sold in our office. Biocorneum is a self-adhering, self-drying silicone gel that also contains a mild broad spectrum SPF 30. You may apply Biocornuem twice a day to your scar for at least 12 weeks, or until you stop seeing noticeable results. Some choose to use the scar cream for up to 6 months to a year in order to ward off the chance of hypertrophic or keloid scars from forming. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, we sell small (10g), medium (20g) and large, (50g) Biocorneum . While the small may be enough to last you your full healing time, we do recommend buying a larger size just in case you may travel or be unable to come back to purchase another if you run out before the 12 weeks. It will also be important to keep the scar covered with UVA and UVB protective sunscreen. We sell many different sunscreens at BHPSG and Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke can recommend what will be best for you.
Scar massage will also be an important aspect of your healing process. Massaging an incision and the surrounding tissue may even out any bumps or lumps that remain after the healing process. Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will show you how to properly massage once your scar is healed enough for this.
In some cases, it is possible that silicone sheeting and Biocorneum may not be enough to minimize your scar. In such cases, there are other methods to help diminish your scars appearance. These include:
- Scar revision surgery by excision. This option may not be available until at least 6 months have passed since your surgery as it can take up to that time for your scar to fully heal and fade. Scar revision can be done on previous scars as well from other surgeries you may have had in the past. Your old scar will be replaced by a new, smaller and less noticeable scar.
- The use of lasers to resurface the area, decreasing and softening scar tissue.
- Steroid Injections. Steroid injections can be done in office in order to soften and break up the scar.
Got questions about scars? Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group
(310) 275-6600