Don't worry about scars after plastic surgery anymore!
Hello, I am Dr. Sang-ju Lee, a dermatologist. Many people undergo plastic surgery during the year-end and New Year holidays or winter vacation. Today, I would like to answer questions about various scars that can occur after plastic surgeries such as double eyelid, nose, and breast surgery. Since scar treatment can vary depending on the type of scar and individual constitution, it is important to find an appropriate treatment method that suits your condition.
How to manage and treat double eyelid surgery scars?
Compared to other areas, the eyes tend to have fewer scars, but scars can remain depending on the individual's constitution or surgical method. In particular, the possibility of scar formation is higher when using the incisional method rather than the buried suture method.
Is a red, bumpy line after double eyelid surgery a scar?
It is difficult to conclude that a red, bumpy line seen about a week after surgery is immediately a scar. Starting scar treatment as early as possible helps minimize scars. If you are prone to scarring, it is advisable to start treatment early.
Methods to prevent scars after double eyelid surgery
There are several ways to prevent scars.
- Silicone-based ointments or onion extract ointments can be used, but they may be difficult to apply around the eyes and can cause irritation.
- In such cases, applying Vaseline, which is less irritating to the skin and eyes, is also an option.
- If you want more active management, you can consider an ophthalmic ointment containing antibiotic ingredients. Ophthalmic ointments are originally intended to be applied inside the eye, but there is no major problem even if applied to the double eyelid scar area, and most are ointment-based, which can help keep the scar area moist and reduce scar formation.
When can laser treatment for epicanthoplasty scars begin?
If the scar below the eye after epicanthoplasty is severe, it is best to start treatment immediately after removing the stitches. You can expect better results if you start treatment within at least one month after surgery. If there is a scab, treatment should begin immediately after the scab falls off. Some clinics start treatment 2 weeks after surgery, while others recommend starting after one month. This may vary depending on the swelling or scab condition.
Old double eyelid scars, reoperation vs. laser?
If a white line remains after double eyelid surgery for more than a year, the treatment method varies depending on the shape of the scar.
- If the double eyelid line is crooked, reoperation may be advisable.
- However, if the line is rough or too thick, laser treatment can make it much smoother.
Can fine needle marks remaining after epicanthoplasty be removed with a laser?
After surgery, not only the surgical line but also fine needle marks may remain around it. These needle marks are difficult to remove with reoperation and may not look good aesthetically. In such cases, Pinhole Technique laser treatment can fade the needle marks.
Nose surgery scars, customized treatment methods by type
Many people are concerned about scars after alar reduction or nose surgery. The nose area has well-developed sebaceous glands, making it prone to scarring, which can appear in various forms such as raised or depressed.
How to treat red, raised scars after alar reduction?
If there are red, raised scars after alar reduction, treatment can be done to flatten the scars while alleviating the redness. If the scar is depressed like a pore, a treatment method that fills the depressed area can be used.
Can black, depressed scars after nose surgery be improved with a laser?
If there is a black, linear depressed scar at the excision site after nose surgery, there is a method to regenerate the skin to fill the scar. Typically, procedures such as Ultrapulse Encore Laser can be used to promote new skin growth in the depressed area, making it flat.
Breast augmentation scars, minimization methods and treatment strategies
Scars after breast augmentation can vary depending on the surgical approach, and specific scars such as keloids can also occur.
Choosing the incision site for scar minimization
From the perspective of minimizing scars during breast augmentation, approaching through the armpit rather than a submammary incision may result in fewer scars. This is because the skin on the chest is under a lot of tension, making it more likely for surgical marks to remain, whereas the armpit is an area where scars can be hidden.
What if the skin is raised after an axillary incision?
If the skin at the axillary incision site is raised before removing the stitches after surgery, it is best to wait until the stitches are removed. It is advisable to visit the clinic for consultation after the stitches are removed and the scab falls off.
Keloid scars after submammary incision, surgery vs. injection?
Keloid scars are constitutional scars where the scar from surgery or injury grows larger than the original wound size, extending into the surrounding area. In individuals with a keloid constitution, surgery has a high probability of making the scar larger or recurring, so surgery is not recommended. If surgery is necessary, concomitant treatments such as radiation therapy may be required. Therefore, for keloid scars, it is more advisable to consider injection or laser treatment rather than surgery.
What should I do about hyperpigmentation after Fraxel treatment?
Fraxel laser, widely used for scar treatment, is effective, but if not used appropriately, it can cause the scar area to swell or leave hyperpigmentation. If hyperpigmentation occurs, it is advisable to discuss changing the laser type or adjusting the intensity with your doctor. This is because the Fraxel laser itself is not wrong; it is important to use appropriate energy and methods tailored to the patient's constitution.
Liposuction scars, characteristics and treatment of multiple scars
Liposuction is a procedure that involves inserting a cannula into the skin to aspirate fat. Scars can remain at these cannula insertion sites, appearing in various forms such as inconspicuous, linear, circular, or raised. Since liposuction involves inserting cannulas into multiple areas, it is characterized by the formation of multiple scars.
What if the scar area is itchy after liposuction?
There are several reasons why the scar area may be itchy after liposuction.
- It may be a natural phenomenon that occurs as the wound heals.
- It can be severely itchy when the scar swells, especially in the case of keloid scars.
- It could also be an allergic reaction to the ointment applied to the scar area. The causes of itching are diverse, so it is important to identify the appropriate cause and treat it according to the condition of the scar and skin reaction.
How to remove white, raised liposuction scars
After liposuction, scars often appear red at first and then gradually become white and raised.
These scars can be surgically re-excised and sutured, but this is not recommended if you are prone to raised scars, as there is a high chance of recurrence. Instead, you can consider methods to reduce scars by combining laser and injection treatments. Although it has the disadvantage of requiring multiple treatments, it is a relatively simple treatment method with few side effects and no disruption to daily life.
Can old liposuction scars also be treated?
Brown hyperpigmentation at the cannula insertion site that is about 2 years old can also be treated. In addition to raised or red scars, hyperpigmentation often occurs, and individuals prone to scarring also tend to develop hyperpigmentation. In such cases, lasers used for hyperpigmentation can be used to fade the scars. Since old scars, i.e., mature scars, fade very slowly naturally, we recommend receiving laser treatment at a dermatology clinic.
Old scars, meaning mature scars, can also be treated. Whether they are raised, white, red, or hyperpigmented, old scars can be improved according to their condition.
So far, we have looked at the management and treatment methods for various scars that can occur after plastic surgery. If you are concerned about scars, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist to create an optimal treatment plan tailored to you.