1. Stay Out of the Sun
Exposing your scars to the sun too soon after surgery can cause them to thicken and darken. You will need to avoid sun exposure for the first few days after surgery. After that, you are advised to protect your scars by applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every time you go outside.
2. Ease Back Into Exercise
For the first few weeks of recovery, you will need to avoid all strenuous activity, including exercise. However, this doesn’t mean you should be completely immobile during your initial recovery. Exercise promotes good circulation, which is important for tissue regeneration. Once your doctor gives you the green light, take short walks to get your blood circulating. Add a few minutes to every walk to build your endurance.
3. Don’t Smoke
Smoking exacerbates scarring because it adversely affects the body’s ability to carry oxygen to the healing tissues. If you smoke, you will need to stop several weeks before surgery. For the most beautiful and successful results, our Atlanta plastic surgeons recommend not smoking after your surgical procedure.
4. Use Products as Prescribed
After your procedure, your surgeon may prescribe topical ointments for you to apply on your surgical incision sites. These ointments are useful in keeping the incision sites clean from bacteria and infection, which in turn helps the skin and tissues heal as quickly as possible.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Surgical technique plays an essential role in how well an incision will heal and scar. A well-trained and skilled plastic surgeon is knowledgeable of the most advanced and effective incision techniques and knows how to place incisions for the least noticeable scars. As you search for a plastic surgeon, be sure to inquire about the surgeon’s incision technique and ask to see before and after photos so you know what kind of results to expect.
For more tips on how to minimize scars after plastic surgery, please contact the Atlanta Plastic and Reconstructive Specialists. Call (404) 255-2975 today.