Scars!

[Norah Mitchel 1]

Hey guys, I was just wondering about the surgical scars? Do they fade after a while? Whoever experienced something that helps please share!

[SandyM 1,956]

I had lapband over a year ago. 2 of my scars are faded, 1 is totally gone and my big one by my port is still pretty bright.

[alicesandra 98]

Mine are definitely still there, the little ones are going but they are taking their sweet time fading. Two years out.

[Scamp 207]

Every person scars differently and every scar fades it seems at a different rate

Some of mine are slightly pinkish even years later and most are just a white line

[AllisonKara 46]

Surgery scars do take a long time to heal but it also depends on each body type.For some the scars heal faster than the others.It is therefore necessary to apply some kind of ointment which will help the scars to heal and finally fade.

Edited August 6, 2014 by AllisonKara

[astraphile 38]

i think everyone is different based on their skin and how it heals. my small scars are barely noticeably at this point because they are so tiny (i'm 6 weeks out from VSG) and my larger scar was placed in my belly button so although it's much more noticeable, it was strategically placed. considering how i'm only 6 weeks out, i'm pretty happy with them thus far. good luck to you!

[Luvin_Life125 558]

I have had 2 previous laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. The previous surgeries had very similar placement as the VSG surgery. My gallbladder was done 14 years ago and the scars are small white lines. My appendix was done 6 years ago and those scars are a pale pink line. Although with all of the stretch marks from my 2 pregnancies, the surgical scars aren't even noticeable!

[AZDee 138]

So many variables when it comes to scaring. Before you concern yourself if the scar is going to turn white, you must be concerned on the initial incision to begin with. Since you are asking this on a plastic surgery board I am assuming you are asking about PS scars. Let's talk arms for a minute, I have seen surgeries where the arms were done incorrectly and the scars spread and widen horribly. So more important than when will they turn white, (which they will in time if the incision was done correctly), but having the right surgeon do the job to begin with. My first surgeon who did my breast lift, simply folded a little extra skin and sewed it up under the breast leaving a bulky scar that never completely turned "white" like the rest of the other scars but still remains raised and pinkish in color. After having that bad outcome I went looking for a surgeon who was known for his fine incisions and sewing. My lower body lift turned out beautifully, the scars are very thin and I have no doubt they will continue to heal perfectly to that fine while line which is almost unnoticeable. So I would have to say the important part to having that fine white line besides all the after care such as using silicone strips etc, is finding the most perfect surgeon you can. A great outcome all starts with the right surgeon.

Edited August 7, 2014 by AZDee

[par1959 470]

8 weeks post op and some belly Hair growth back I have to look for mine. Chicks dig scars anyway.

[kidrn72 85]

Scaring has mostly genetics to predict how a person heals. However I can tell you from having 2 plastic procedures almost 25 years apart that massage and Vitamin E oil are your best defense. My message I mean messaging the scar tissue for 2 mins twice a day to increase circulation for the new growth. I had a bad dog bite to my face at 17 yrs old and I'm 42 now, yes I had a great plastic surgeon but I listened to what he told me to do and use sunscreen daily to this day to keep them minimal. My scars are my face are very minimal for the size they are because I took good care of them. Now after losing weight I had a breast lift and the scars are long because I had such a large amount of sagging skin, again the plastic doc stressed the after care and I followed the instructions. My scares 10 months post op are almost completely flesh toned:) really it is about after care to get the best results, all you need is vitamin E oil and you hands to message:)

[Tashaplus3 29]

Try silicone scar strips. They have them at Walgreens and Amazon. Great reviews on Amazon. I am using them now for my breast lift and aug scars.

[Oak Park Lorena 162]

While I don't want to seem like a jerk and contradict you, studies show that Vitamin E not only does not help the scar formation/healing process, it can actually make your scar worse. Most knowledgeable dermatologists will tell you that you should NOT put Vitamin E on scars. http://www.inviciblescars.com/vitamin-e-scars.html#c. Massaging can certainly help break down adhesions that might make a scar worse, but I don't know that it will reduce the size or redness.

I am a terrible scarer, have had several surgeries and have done extensive research on the topic. Unfortunately, there really isn't anything topical that has been shown to improve scars. There is some research that suggests that eating an anti-inflammatory (i.e., cut out all sugar, flour etc.) diet a month or so before and after surgery may improve healing and reduce the chances that your immune system will over-react (which is in large part what causes bad scars).

Scaring has mostly genetics to predict how a person heals. However I can tell you from having 2 plastic procedures almost 25 years apart that massage and vitamin E oil are your best defense. My message I mean messaging the scar tissue for 2 mins twice a day to increase circulation for the new growth. I had a bad dog bite to my face at 17 yrs old and I'm 42 now, yes I had a great plastic surgeon but I listened to what he told me to do and use sunscreen daily to this day to keep them minimal. My scars are my face are very minimal for the size they are because I took good care of them. Now after losing weight I had a breast lift and the scars are long because I had such a large amount of sagging skin, again the plastic doc stressed the after care and I followed the instructions. My scares 10 months post op are almost completely flesh toned:) really it is about after care to get the best results, all you need is vitamin E oil and you hands to message:)