After surgery, there are scars. That’s just a fact, but following the proper procedures after facial plastic surgery minimizes any scarring. The way scars heal varies by individual circumstances, but diligent scar care makes a tremendous difference in the eventual outcome. Mt. Vernon facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Grant, M.D., F.A.C.S., gives each patient detailed instructions on surgery scar care so they can obtain the best results. Read on to learn more.
Incision Care
Follow the surgeon’s orders when it comes to incision care. If redness, excess swelling or heat occurs, or if pus appears at the incision site, call the doctor immediately. Those are signs of infection. Prevent infection by applying antibiotic cream regularly to the incision site. Check with the doctor before using any products on the incision.
Avoid the Sun
Sun exposure can result in scar darkening. For best results, never expose scars to sun, but especially not during the healing process. Cover scarred areas as much as possible. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF on scars.
Scar Massage
Massage increases blood flow, which decreases the buildup of scar tissue. Gently massaging the scars daily can speed healing, but performing the massage correctly is essential. Dr. Jonathan Grant can you show the right technique for such massage and will let you know when to start.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Cutting out processed and junk foods and consuming a diet containing good proteins helps skin heal. Avoid drinking alcohol while healing, as alcohol causes dehydration. Drink plenty of water while recuperating to keep the body hydrated.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is bad for overall health, and it’s especially bad for those trying to heal from surgery. Patients who smoke take considerably longer to heal and do not heal as well as non-smokers.
Rest, Not Stress
It takes time to heal from plastic surgery, and patients need to rest for a specific time after a procedure. Without sufficient rest, the incision takes longer to heal. Don’t stress the incision in any way, such as any lifting or moving in such a way that could cause the incision to come apart.
More Information on Incision Healing
If you have questions about your incision and its healing progress, or want to know what type of scarring to expect from a particular procedure, call Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics today at 360-336-1947 or contact us online.
