Plastic surgery procedures have become more popular and affordable. Many people have an area on their body that they would change if they had the opportunity to do so. It might be something that they were born with, such a bump in the bridge of the nose. It could also be something that they acquired over time, such as excess weight around the mid-section. Tummy tucks create a flatter stomach and a contoured waist that regular exercise and healthy eating might not achieve. Since a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, there is going to be an incision which may result in scarring. Here are some suggestions on how to minimize tummy tuck scarring.
Follow All Instructions: Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed instructions about your post-operation care for the incision. This may include how to keep the area clean, which bandages to use, what to do for swelling, what steps to take in the event of an infection, and more. Please make sure you follow all of your doctor’s instructions as closely as you can to obtain the best results from your procedure and to heal the incision fully.
Stay Out of the Sun: No doubt you’ll be excited to show off your brand-new body. Since you are still recovering, UV rays can be more damaging to the incision site and lead to the scar becoming darker. On top of that, you do not want to risk getting a sunburn! It is important to keep the area covered for protection. If the area must be exposed to the sun for whatever reason, make sure you apply sunscreen on the healing incision – even beneath clothing.
Moisturize: Check with your doctor to make sure you can use lotions around the area. Lotions keep the skin moisturized. This will soften the skin and aid in reducing the scar. It will also keep the area from getting itchy, often a part of the healing process.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to heal the body. It provides moisture to the skin and aids the body in healing.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking reduces oxygen in the body and may affect the healing process. If possible, stop smoking two weeks before the operation and at least two weeks after the operation.
In about 2 weeks, after the sutures are removed and the wound is closed:
- Use Oleeva® Scar Shapes: Oleeva® Scar Shapes are specially designed to treat scarring from breast, abdominal and other surgical procedures. Thin, soft and flexible – they’re so comfortable you may forget that you are wearing the latest technology for scar management. Oleeva® Scar Shapes and facilitate a moisturized environment directly at the scar site to promote healthy healing without the use of additional lotions, ointments, or oils.
- Oleeva® Scar Shapes contain no messy gels or pastes. The outer surface of Oleeva® Fabric Shapes are covered with a silky fabric for a touch of elegance and optimal comfort. They are ideal for use under clothing. Oleeva® Foam Shapes have a foam backing for areas that may be sensitive and need more cushioning, or for areas that may need additional compression to flatten the scar.
