Incisions and Scarring

What are Scars?

Scarring is the body’s natural response to the skin being broken or cut. A scar is a fibrous buildup of collagen at the site of a wound and is a natural part of the healing process. After any cosmetic surgery procedure, your body will form a scar where an incision has been made, but Dr. Hamrah will work with you to ensure that your scar is as unnoticeable as possible.

Scar Types

After your cosmetic procedure there are two main types of scars that are likely to form:

• Keloid
• Hypertrophic

A keloid is the less desirable type of scar because it is thick and raised. It continues to grow past the boundary of the incision. A hypertrophic scar starts out red and raised, but it gradually flattens and does not expand beyond the incision.

Scarring Factors

Several factors determine what kind of scar you will have, including:

• Genetics
• Nutrition
• Whether you smoke or not

The placement of the incision also can determine what kind of scar will form and how visible it will be. During your surgery, Dr. Hamrah will take great care to place incisions in discreet places, such as within the hairline and behind the ear.

If you’ve had cuts or surgery before, you will know what type of scar your body tends to form. If you have dark skin, there is a greater chance that you will develop keloids. However, since everyone’s body and daily environment is different, it is impossible to definitely predict what kind of scar will develop after your surgery.

Scar Prevention

The best way to ensure smooth healing after your surgery is to listen to all Dr. Hamrah’s instructions on cleaning and caring for your incisions. Respect the time periods set aside for healing—if you don’t properly rest and care for your body, you will risk longer healing times and worse scars. Also make sure you have a balanced and nutritious diet. Getting all your needed vitamins and minerals will help your body heal faster.

If you smoke, it is imperative to quit smoking before your procedure and to continue to not smoke until you scars have fully healed, a process that takes about a year. Smoking impairs your blood’s ability to carry oxygen through your body, and when cells are deprived of oxygen they take longer to heal.

To learn more about scarring and incisions during facial cosmetic surgery, please contact Dr. Daria Hamrah, who serves patients living in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland at Nova Surgicare.