Does anyone have tips on how to minimize the surgical scars after getting sleeved? How visible are the scars after they've healed?

I’m 18 months post op. Mine are nearly invisible.  I left them alone. 

That's great. Are they discrete enough to wear crop tops or two-piece swimwear?

Yes, and the tummy tuck I had back in January makes it even better :)

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Evidence that vitamin E works to diminish the appearance of scars has been mostly anecdotal. However, when I applied it topically to healed surgical scars, I noticed a difference. Scars flattened and there was a reduction in the appearance of depressed scars. The darkness/redness of the scars also improved.

Still, that may not be your experience. Skin lightening creams, dermabrasion, and lasers are other options too. Low vitamin and protein levels make it harder for your body to heal so keep an eye on those. They will shrink and fade over time.

Before doing anything a dermatologist could determine the type of scar and give you treatment options. Good luck!

3 hours ago, kristieshannon said:

Yes, and the Tummy Tuck I had back in January makes it even better

Where is the jealous emoji, lol. I hope I don’t have to much excess skin cause dr says I don’t have enough to lose to qualify for insurance to help and idk If I can afford it. I don’t do bikinis anymore though cause I had skin cancer anyways so I should be okay. I guess we will see how it goes.

20 hours ago, DoodlesMom said:

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Evidence that vitamin E works to diminish the appearance of scars has been mostly anecdotal. However, when I applied it topically to healed surgical scars, I noticed a difference. Scars flattened and there was a reduction in the appearance of depressed scars. The darkness/redness of the scars also improved.

Still, that may not be your experience. Skin lightening creams, dermabrasion, and lasers are other options too. Low vitamin and Protein levels make it harder for your body to heal so keep an eye on those. They will shrink and fade over time.

Before doing anything a dermatologist could determine the type of scar and give you treatment options. Good luck!

Thanx for the tips, I will definitely be sure to keep up the protein and vitamin D intake. I don't want to be embarrassed by the surgical scars, or asked to explain them.

I had two different cosmetic surgeons. One for breasts and one to remove skin cancer and both said to use Vaseline so I asked bariatric surgeon if that was okay yet at post op appt and he said it’s fine. It may have been okay to use as soon as steri strips fell off but I forgot to ask beforehand so I just waited since I’m not super concerned about scars on belly. Can’t wear bikini anyways cause of skin cancer.

Edited March 29, 20215 yr by ShoppGirl