Preventing scars means focusing on the factors that you can control. If you have had surgery and your incision is still healing, plan on showering at least once a day if you are able.
When you are finished with your shower, gently pat your incision and allow to air dry completely before covering with a bandage or clothing.
Soap-A gentle antibacterial soap is ideal for someone healing from surgery to help prevent infection. Liquid soap may be easier to use, as it can be easily applied without a washcloth. Be sure to rinse your incision well to make sure no soap residue remains after showering.
Showering-Take care not to scrub your incision when you are in the shower. Applying a small amount of soap and rinsing it well should be adequate. Take care not to scrub the incision, which may remove scabs, slow healing and irritate the incision. While it is safe to take a regular shower, it is important not to allow the incision to be wet so long that it puckers (how your fingers do after a bath or a swim) and softens.
If your wound was closed with steri-strips or surgical glue do not scrub or use a washcloth on it. They may appear dirty, which is normal, but they should be allowed to remain in place until they fall off on their own. Just squirt some soap on top and let the water gently wash it.
Smoking: Not only does smoking increase your risk for scars, it can also slow your healing. Smoking is such a significant risk factor that many plastic surgeons will not operate on a patient if he does not quit smoking COMPLETELY for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
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.
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with an emphasis on protein intake. Protein makes up the building blocks of healing skin, so it is essential to provide your body with adequate protein to allow your skin to heal. If you do not like eating meat, soy and whey products provide an excellent alternative as a lean protein source. I would also suggest foods with vitamin C (citrus fruits) and zinc (pecans, cashews, fortified cereals, and seafood).
Hydration: Dehydration happens when you are not taking in enough fluids. Hydration is good for your skin, and in combination with good nutrition, will provide optimum conditions for healing.
Your Weight: If you are overweight, you may be at greater risk for scarring. Why? The extra wound tension may make the scar heal wider, so it is doubly important to follow the suggestions for scar improvement.
Silicone Wound Treatment: Silicone wound dressings feel similar to a thick plastic wrap that you would use in the kitchen. Silicone, however, does not adhere to your wound, allowing it to protect your incision from stress and contamination without damaging the skin when it is removed. Studies have shown that silicone can help reduce scarring and is commonly used after plastic surgery. Discuss silicone dressings with your surgeon prior to your procedure, as the surgeon will need to apply this type of bandage.
Vitamin C oil, Vitamin E oil, Aloe Vera, Mederma, and Bio Oil are all suggestions I have given to my patients to apply to their scar to help with optimum wound healing.
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