No matter what the reason that you’ve decided to undergo surgery – there is always a potential for scarring. This is true even with the best, most-experienced plastic surgeon in the room. The fact is that some patients are just more predisposed to surgical scarring than others.
It is important to realize this prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure. It is also imperative that you discuss your entire health history, as well as any medications or non-prescription substances you are taking with Dr. Tresley. This will allow him to make recommendations prior to your surgery to eliminate your scarring risk.
Some of the most common risk factors for excessive scarring include things that you cannot control, including your age, race and your genetic tendency to scar. However, there are factors that can be controlled that should be considered prior to undergoing surgery and increasing your risk for visible scars.
These factors include:
- The size, location and depth of your incision.
- Tobacco use.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Caffeine consumption.
- Hydration.
It is important that you be as healthy as possible prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery. This includes staying well hydrating and avoiding the use of tobacco products completely. In fact, tobacco use can actually cause the skin around your surgical incision to blacken and die. This is an extreme reaction but very possible with tobacco use during the two weeks leading up to surgery or while in recovery.
To learn more about your chances for surgical scarring and ways to improve your cosmetic surgery outcomes, contact Dr. Daniel Tresley today.