Aurimas Dobilinskas, a surgeon at Nordesthetics Clinic
Despite our desire to hide them, scars are quite common. In fact, their frequency is growing as more people opt for cosmetic as well as medical surgeries. While some are making efforts to take pride in their scars, for others they can still cause trauma. Aurimas Dobilinskas, a surgeon at Nordesthetics Clinic, has some advice on proper post-operative care to keep scars less visible and painless.
Living with a scar can be both psychologically and physically taxing. 25 percent of people with scars reported that they’ve caused emotional or physical problems, according to a survey by The Scar Free Foundation.
In spite of their stigma, scars are quite common. More than 20 million people in the UK alone have them, and they can have a variety of causes, including operations for health problems, accidents, or cosmetic plastic surgery. Indeed, their numbers are only predicted to increase, and as they do, many are becoming more public about their scarring in order to reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Celebrities Share Their Experience
For instance, model Chrissy Teigen called attention to her breast lift scars on Instagram, choosing to own her decision rather than feel demeaned for it. Likewise, Princess Eugenie recently opened up about her scoliosis surgery and said she was “proud” of the scar that resulted from it. And after initially attempting to hide the scar from her kidney transplant, Selena Gomez proclaimed that “I feel confident in who I am and what I went through…and I’m proud of that.”
Although the perceived negativity surrounding scars has been reduced, many people may still wish to diminish their appearance. According to Aurimas Dobilinskas, a surgeon at Nordesthetics Clinic, there will always be scarring after surgery, which will never fully disappear. And their appearance can depend on certain uncontrollable factors, such as skin tone and genetics. But with proper and consistent care, scars can be made smaller, softer, and less noticeable.
Early and Consistent Treatment Will Keep Scarring to a Minimum
For Dr. Dobilinskas’ patients, prevention starts as soon as the surgery ends. Thin sutures are applied, which eventually dissolve (requiring no removal), followed by a special surgical tape which stabilizes the scar. Patients are also given post-op massages to prevent swelling.
It’s important to avoid direct sunlight or solariums, as UV rays can be damaging. This is especially true during puberty, in which case Dr. Dobilinskas recommends using the highest possible SPF cream while in the sun.
If complications should arise, for instance, the scar becomes hypertrophic (raised, hard, red) or keloid (expansive and lumpy), measures such as hormone or steroid injection or laser treatment can be applied. If these measures do not help, surgical removal of the scar is also possible. For atrophic scars, fat grafting or surgical resection of the scar is recommended.
Plenty of Convenient Products for Effective Long Term Care
In the weeks, months, and even years thereafter, patients will need to be fastidious in caring for their scars. After about three weeks, scar modifying agents can help soften and heal the scar. Options include silicone-based gels, creams, or patches, which should be applied for about six months after surgery, until the scar matures, according to Dr. Dobilinskas. Each of these agents will maintain skin moisture and keep the scar soft so that it heals more aesthetically.
While creams, gels, patches, and sutures all do their part, no treatment can completely eliminate a post-op scar. But with medical advances, dedicated patient care, and a change in perspective, these scars can be just a small part of who we are.
