Hiding Cosmetic Surgery Scars
Visible scars are inevitable following most surgeries. Emergency surgery will unfortunately leave scars that are usually more obvious, due to having to react quickly to save a life. The trade-off is obvious. However, elective surgery does allow time for planning, so the telltale surgery scars are often minimized by the advantage of careful incision placement. This planning allows for specific design of scar placement and the application of technologies that contribute to reducing scar length.
Most notable of the new techniques in general surgery practice are the recent advancements in endoscopic surgery and applications in “natural orifice surgery.” Perhaps the most well-know cosmetic procedure using natural orifice surgery is rhinoplasty or cosmetic nose surgery. This operation was developed at the end of the 19th century and is performed through multiple incisions located inside the nostrils. The supporting structure of the nose is re-sculpted by addition and/or subtraction of tissue and grafts to give a more aesthetically pleasing shape to the nose.
More recently, the advent of liposuction has allowed the safe removal of extra fat deposits. Liposuction surgery consists of multiple tiny incisions that are carefully placed and designed to be inconspicuous following the procedure. In fact, once healed many of these scars are hard to find! Prior to liposuction, long unsightly incisions were used in an effort to remove excess fat and unwanted skin. Designing incision placement is critical in minimizing noticeable scars. The direction, location, and length are the keystones of this design. Scar direction relates to normal skin creases and wrinkles and is an important consideration. Generally, scars that parallel these natural lines heal better and are less apparent. Minimizing the incision length understandably reduces scar size. Avoiding sun exposure to fresh scars is also important, as permanent pigmentation may result from unprotected incisions.
Finally, as cosmetic surgeons, we want to place any visible scars in such a way that they are either easily covered by the smallest bathing suit a patient is likely to wear or able to be concealed with make up and/or hairstyle. Elegant surgical design is possible when all these things are taken into consideration. Having the time and experience in making preparations for the surgical plan offers the best opportunity to minimize noticeable scars following surgery.
May 20th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I have been thinking about getting my upper arms done. I use arm weights for my triceps and still have this sag and want to look great in sleeveless clothing.
Where does the incision take place, so I wouldn’t have unsightly scars?
I have wanted to get this done soon, and I am curious about the invisible scar and how does one hide this on the upper arm ?
anxious to wave that beauty queen arm proudly!