TL;DR:
- Scars form from granulation tissue during skin healing; factors like wound depth, healing time, age, and genetics influence their appearance.
- Scarring after plastic surgery can be minimized but not completely avoided; laparoscopic methods and careful incision placement help reduce visibility.
- Techniques like laser therapy, microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and mesotherapy can improve scar appearance.
- Prevention includes timely suture removal, strict hygiene, avoiding touching or wetting the wound, and protection from infections.
- Post-surgery, avoid UV exposure; apply SPF 50 and cover the site to prevent dark, prominent scars.
- Non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques (e.g., hyaluronic acid for nose reshaping) reduce scarring risks.
- Patient compliance with aftercare is critical for minimal and inconspicuous scars.
One of the reasons many people fear plastic surgery is scarring. Nowadays, laparoscopic procedures are increasingly being performed, which require minimal incisions and therefore do not leave extensive scars. Is it possible to avoid unwanted souvenirs of surgical procedures? How to take care of a scar so that it is as invisible as possible? In this article we focus on aesthetic aspects – after all, plastic surgery should help get rid of complexes, not lead to more.
What are scars and why do they form?
Scar is a natural consequence of skin healing after an injury, which is undoubtedly also surgery. The damaged skin is replaced by granulation tissue, which contains numerous collagen fibers. Its texture and color are different from the surrounding skin, which can be an aesthetic problem. Scars from a well-executed operation are of course different, for example, from an accident scar, which can deform the skin and limit mobility. Scar formation is largely dependent on healing time – the longer it takes, the greater the risk that a scar will form. Skin healing is an individual issue: it is affected by the size and depth of the wound, skin pigmentation or age and genetics, among other factors. Over time, the scar becomes paler and smoother, but it does not disappear completely. To get rid of a scar, treatments such as laser therapy, micro-needle radiofrequency, CO2 carboxytherapy, SPADEEP, micropuncture for scars, HIFU, microdermabrasion, mesotherapy treatments, chemical peels or Dermapen are necessary.
Can scar formation be prevented?
Scar formation largely depends on the timing of suture removal, so if possible, this is done as soon as possible after surgery. However, it depends on the area of the body and the stresses there (e.g. near the joints), the presence of possible infections, the patient's general health, etc. Not every operation can be performed laparoscopically and make a few centimeter cut. Even the best surgeon cannot completely avoid scarring. For many plastic surgeries, however, it is possible to guide the cut in such a way that unwanted mementos of the surgery are virtually invisible. In the case of procedures such as otoplasty, the scars are located behind the ears, so they are unobtrusive. The same is true, for example, with buttock implants, since the scars are located in the inter-buttock groove. In some cases it is also possible to use non-invasive methods, such as hyaluronic acid nose reshaping is able to correct small imperfections without the intervention of a surgeon. However, surgical methods are also becoming less invasive, using, for example, PIEZO, an ultrasound-guided nasal surgery technique. The visibility of the scar does not depend solely on the surgeon, but also on the patient: it is worth following post-surgery instructions and taking care of the skin, even more than before the operation.
How to deal with a scar after surgery?
Plastic surgery may seem like an easy solution to complexes, but it is worth remembering that surgery is only the beginning, because after the surgery, recovery is still necessary. Fortunately, newer and newer techniques and wider options make recovery from surgery easier than it was just a few or a dozen years ago. It all depends on the area and the extent of the surgery, so it is necessary to follow the surgeon's instructions. To make the scars as inconspicuous as possible, hygiene is the basis. Dressings should not be removed earlier than ordered by the doctor. Touching the wound should be avoided, as any infection can slow healing and make the scar more visible. Wetting the wound should also be avoided, as a moist environment promotes the multiplication of bacteria. It is also a good idea to refrain from using the pool, sauna, etc. for the first few weeks. Another very important rule is protection from the sun. There is more and more talk about the negative effects of UV radiation on the skin. The skin at the healing site is even more sensitive to damage, so it should not be exposed to the sun. When there is no longer a dressing on the site after surgery, you need to apply a cream with SPF 50. If possible, it is also a good idea to cover the healing skin with clothing. Sun protection is important not only when sunbathing, but whenever you go outside. Without protection with a high SPF cream, unfortunately, the scar will quickly become darker and thus – more visible. It should also not be forgotten that UV radiation should be avoided not only after surgery, but at all times. Exposure to the sun intensifies the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so the skin becomes less firm and elastic, and they form faster. So if you want to avoid problems like facial hamsters or crow's feet for as long as possible, it's a good idea to remember sun protection. Advances in plastic surgery are making extensive, disfiguring scars a thing of the past. After surgery, however, it's a good idea to take proper care of the surgical site so that healing goes smoothly and as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Scars are a natural part of healing, but they don’t have to define you. With modern plastic surgery techniques and proper care, the appearance of scars can be minimized. From choosing skilled surgeons to protecting your healing skin from sun exposure, every step matters. Remember, recovery isn’t just about the procedure—it’s about how you care for yourself afterward. Follow your surgeon’s advice, stay consistent with aftercare, and trust the process. Advances in medicine now offer amazing options, so scars can fade into the background while your confidence shines forward. Take charge of your healing journey!
