Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after any surgical procedure. Whether you just got a breast augmentation, a rhinoplasty, or an abdominoplasty, you are going to have a scar or two to show for it. As you are healing, however, there are a few things you can do to prevent your scar from getting worse or more prominent. From avoiding the sun to keeping the skin moisturized, this article will discuss a few ways you can prevent your scar from standing out even more. Read on to learn more.
Avoid the Sun
Yes, the sun can make you tanner and give you a dewy glow, but it can also darken your scar and make it more prominent. If you are planning on spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, make sure to cover up your scar with a combination of sunscreen and clothing— the more protection it has from the sun, the less likely it is to darken.
Keep it Moisturized
Try to keep your scar and the skin around it as moisturized as possible. As your body is healing from surgery, apply a thick moisturizing cream or lotion to your scar about 3-4 times every day— the more moisturized the skin around your scar is, the less likely it is to crack and get worse.
Don’t Pick At it
There are two types of people: pickers and non-pickers. If you are the kind of person who picks at everything— blemishes, scabs, scars, you name it— then this step might be more difficult. However, if you pick at your scar, it will just make it worse.
Even though scarring is part of the healing process, you can do a few things to prevent it from getting worse. When we send you home from surgery, we will give you a detailed care pamphlet with instructions on how to care for your incision and scar. In addition to those tips, use the ones listed above. To learn more about recovery, contact The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester today!