Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Any tips on minimizing scars after getting sleeved?



Recommended Posts

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 by ShoppGirl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×