Archive for August, 2022

Preventing and Treating Scars

Skin is a pretty amazing organ – but it is also rather delicate. It can easily be scarred, marred, and damaged, causing pain and leaving you feeling self-conscious. But there are things you can do to prevent scars if your skin has been damaged, and there are also ways to treat scars that you’ve had for years. Read on for some information on preventing and treating scars.

Preventing scarring

• It is surprisingly easy to burn yourself on the stove, with your curling iron, or even on a metal surface on a hot day. If you have a burn, put ice on the area right away. To prevent scars (and to also help cool the skin down), use aloe vera on the burn 3 or 4 times a day. Taking A, C, E, and B vitamins can help to create new, healthy skin to keep scars from forming.

• Acne scars can result from painful cystic acne, which is acne that forms deep beneath the skin, but it can also be the result of picking at acne. Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples, which can make acne worse and cause scars, and make sure you are using a skincare routine that prevents acne in the first place – you may have to see a doctor for a prescription strength treatment.

• If you’ve accidentally cut yourself, keeping the wound clean and covered and not picking the scab off prevents infection as well as scars. Keeping the wound moist by using petroleum jelly on it can also help.

Treating scars

If you have unsightly scars, your plastic surgeon may be able to help, with a filler such as Restylane or Juvéderm. Fillers are a safe, noninvasive, and quick way to treat imperfections in the skin, such as scars, wrinkles, and fine lines, and to add volume to the skin. Your doctor will be able to help you decide which treatment would be right for you.

If despite your best efforts you’ve developed some scars over the years, the staff at the Weinstein Plastic Surgery Center can help. Contact the office in Chester, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment to discuss your options. Call (908) 879-2222 today!

Posted in Scar Revision, Scarfix on August 15th, 2022

Don’t Be Haunted By Surgery Scars

Tips for a Healthy Recovery

This Halloween season, don’t be haunted by your surgery scars! Heal up from your procedures and minimize scarring with these tips.

First, it’s important to note that there are some factors that increase the risk of scarring that are out of your control. Some of these factors include:

• Your age
  • The older you get, the less elasticity your skin has. Aging paired with sun exposure, smoking, exposure to the environment and other lifestyle issues make it harder for the skin to heal as you age.
• Your race
  • Your race may determine whether you scar more than other people. Fair-skinned people tend to find their scars more noticeable than those with darker complexions.
• Genetic Tendency To Scar
  • If members of your family tend to scar, you’re also more likely to scar.
• Size and Depth of Your Incision
  • Larger, deeper incisions take longer to heal and are more likely to have a lasting scar.
• How Quickly Your Skin Heals
  • You may just be someone whose skin heals quickly and easily leaving minimal scarring.

Keep in mind that these factors are already at play and may slow down your healing process. With that being said, there are steps you can take to prevent scarring when possible. Other than following your doctor’s orders to the letter, here are other suggestions to consider:

• Don’t smoke
  • Besides all of the other health risks associated with smoking, smoking also slows down your healing. Smoking is such a significant risk factor that many plastic surgeons will not operate on a patient if they’ve smoked within two weeks before your surgery.
• Don’t drink
  • Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin, which decreases your overall state of health. While you’re recovering from surgery, it’s advised not to drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
• Up your protein intake but also eat a balanced diet
  • Protein makes up the building blocks of healing skin, so it is essential to provide your body with adequate protein for optimal skin healing.
• Stay hydrated
  • Dehydration happens when you are not taking in enough fluids. In severe cases, this can cause electrolyte imbalances and heart issues. In less severe cases, you will feel thirsty and your overall health will be diminished. Stay well hydrated—you will know if you are well-hydrated because your urine will be almost colorless or light in color.
• Take good care of your incisions to prevent infection.
  • Don’t take medication that isn’t prescribed or use ointments without consulting your doctor. Check on your healing and treat infections quickly if they occur.
• Get plenty of rest.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders but also listen to your body. Take it easy and rest.
• Don’t put stress on your incision.
  • Avoid lifting, bending, stretching, or anything that adds stress to that area.
• Avoid sunlight as much as possible.
  • If you can’t cover the incision because it’s on your face, make sure you’re wearing plenty of sunscreen.

As always, if you have any questions about your healing or aftercare instructions, don’t hesitate to give us a call, 908-879-2222.

Posted in Plastic Surgery Guide, Scar Revision on October 15th, 2019

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