In this day and age where smooth and blemish free skin is highly valued, it is easy to understand why facial surgery may worry many people. The psychological effect of a facial scar can turn normal, happy, healthy people into shells of their former self. However, these disfiguring scars may well be forgotten in time as there are promising new approaches to scar avoidance.
Facial Procedures
Today’s facial plastic surgery procedures involve some small incisions into the facial skin. These are usually easily hidden in the skin’s natural folds. The actual incisions allow the surgeon access to your skin, soft tissues, fat and muscles that may require being re-placed, pulled or moved. Of course, these incisions will heal over time.
Scars
Each individual will scar and heal differently with some people getting flat scars, while others find their scars are raised on the skin. In some cases, the scars are not even visible to the naked eye. With a surgical incision, our body’s first reaction is to up the production of collagen, which aids the healing process. It is a major protein in our bodies that helps to give skin its elastic properties. A small amount of collagen will produce a flat scar, will a larger amount will raise a red scar.
Procedure And Healing
Of course, it is normal to be worried about scarring when contemplating using the skills of a plastic surgeon. However, you should be aware that with many plastic surgeons using a ‘closed’ approach, there is often no external scar. Within two days the incision should seal and be strong. In the first three months, your scar will thicken, complete with a red or purple tint. After four months, you will notice this process will reverse, and the scar will flatten out. Around six months the scar should be completely healed, but it will continue to improve.
Assisting The Healing
There are many factors that can impact on your facial healing, such as how deep the incision is, where it is and how old you are. Often you will find younger skin produces thicker scarring. By applying ointment to your scar, it will help to keep it moist, thus speeding up the healing process and halting the onset of scabbing. You can also massage the wound by using a moisturizer with Vitamin E or Aloe.
Just gently massage the area around the scar daily for the first two weeks, then once a day for a month. By doing this, it increases the blood flow and helps to prevent that scar tissue build up. You should be aware that you should not scrub the wound. Finally, if you can, avoid sun exposure as this can turn the scar a deeper and darker color than the skin that surrounds it. Either cover the area as much as possible or use SPF 50 or greater.
The best way to alleviate any worries you may have is to talk to a certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Scott Newman has been voted the ‘Top NYC Plastic Surgeon’ for 17 consecutive years and can answer all your questions both professionally and confidentially.