Laparoscopic Surgery Scar Prevention Care And Treatment

Hello, I am Dr. Sang-ju Lee, a dermatologist.

In the past, open surgery, which left long linear scars when operating on diseases such as stomach cancer or colon cancer, was common. However, with the recent emergence of laparoscopic surgery, which minimizes the incision to 1-2cm, the burden of post-surgical scars on patients has greatly reduced. Nevertheless, laparoscopic surgery does not leave no scars at all. Scars that are red and raised, depressed, or short linear scars can still remain, making post-surgical scar prevention and management very important.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed with minimal incision, but it does not mean that no scars will form at all. The following types of scars may appear at the surgical site:

• Red, raised scars: These are forms that rise above the skin surface due to excessive fibrous tissue proliferation.
• Depressed scars: These are forms where the skin is sunken due to tissue loss at the surgical site.
• Short linear scars: These are linear scars that remain depending on the incision site.

These scars can cause cosmetic problems, so active management is needed from early on after surgery.

Here are early management methods to help minimize post-surgical scars:

• Apply antibiotic ointment after stitch removal: After removing stitches, it is recommended to consistently apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
• Utilize moist dressings: Applying a moist dressing such as Duoderm for about three days to a week to keep the wound area moist can help the wound heal better.
• Caution during showering: If water touches the wound area immediately after surgery, it can worsen. It is advisable to shower with a waterproof bandage applied about 2-3 days after stitch removal.

If you want to more effectively prevent laparoscopic surgical scars, you can consider combining professional treatment from after stitch removal. Appropriately combining Vbeam Prima vascular laser treatment and Triamcinolone Scar Injection can help minimize scars.

Especially if you are prone to scarring or have a keloid constitution, we strongly recommend that you receive early consultation and treatment from a dermatologist after surgery. Early treatment can have a positive impact on improving the size and shape of scars.

Even if scars have already formed after laparoscopic surgery, you don't need to worry too much. Laparoscopic surgical scars are often relatively small, and significant improvement can be expected through treatment. Various scar treatment methods exist, and a customized treatment plan can be established according to each patient's scar characteristics.

The treatment method for laparoscopic surgical scars can vary depending on the individual's skin type, and the depth and shape of the scar. Therefore, it is important to visit a hospital with dermatologists experienced in scar treatment and receive a direct consultation.