Any surgical procedure comes with an in-numerous amount of questions. What’s my recovery time? Will I be put under? What’s the chance that you are going to leave something inside me that’s not supposed to be there? The list goes on and on and on. The key to getting your questions answered is to have them before your surgeon asks you, “do you have any questions?” At that moment, it’s too late! Your need to know what questions to ask your surgeon before your consultation.
One topic that might not come to mind in the moment, but is essential to ask about is scarring. No one wants to come out of a procedure with an unsightly scar. If you want the best result possible, you must understand how to manage your scar after surgery. Here are a few questions to ask your plastic surgeon about scars before you go under the knife.
1. What are my Risk Factors for scarring?
Your skin is unique. It’s yours! The same goes for your scar. It’s important to understand how your skin will scar in order to employ the right treatment. It’s also important to know the size and depth of the incision. Both will have a significant impact on how your scar forms. Even your general health and wellbeing can influence the type and severity of your scar. Your plastic surgeon or your dermatologist can help you understand these risks, so that you can plan accordingly.
2. What should I do to minimize my Risk Factors after this procedure?
So now you know your risk factors, what do you do to minimize them? That should be your next question. You can start reducing the likelihood your procedure will result in a scar before one appears on your skin. Be sure to ask your surgeon how to properly clean the area or stitches after your procedure while the skin heals. Proper care is a must if you want to reduce the potential for scars.
3. When should I start using Scar Management Products?
The answer to this one is simple, as soon as you can. That means as soon as the stitches come out and your skin is closed and dry. It’s still important to ask your surgeon because he or she will be able to let you know when that day may come. If you know when your wound should be fully healed, you can have your scar management products ready to go.
4. Do you recommend a particular scar management brand?
Most people haven’t spent much time researching the top scar management brands. Your plastic surgeon can help send you in the right direction. Some surgeons may even stock products that you can use to help minimize your scar in their office. You will never know if you don’t ask.
Facing a surgical procedure is always tough, but when you go in with unanswered questions it can be even more daunting. Next time before your surgeon asks, “do you have any questions?” have your list in hand and don’t forget to ask about scars. The last thing you want is to have a perfectly successful procedure then be left with a unwanted scar to remind you of what was.