Removing Stitches No Longer Needed
August 11th, 2021
Removing Stitches No Longer Needed.
It is no longer true that all stitches need to be removed. Now there are new alternatives for incision closure following cosmetic surgery. In the past, traditional methods like skin sutures (stitches) or a quick method of skin staple closure, both need to be removed after surgery. However, with the advances in absorbable sutures, they simply get absorbed by the body and skip the need for removal. Another alternative is using surgical glue, and much like “superglue” it bonds the edges of the incision and effectively seals the wound. The adhesive material in specialized surgical glue forms a strong microbial shield to protect wounds while they heal. I also believe that surgical glue most often provides the least visible scare after healing for patients not allergic. Ultimately, I find that by taking more time with incision closure during surgery, I can offer a better experience for my patients and a more elegant solution for their recovery.
Photo: Bashioum Cosmetic Surgery Center
Heating Pads After Cosmetic Surgery? No!
June 24th, 2019
Heating Pads After Cosmetic Surgery? No and here’s why.
Contrary to the soothing warmth a heating pad delivers for common musculo-skeletal ailments and sports injuries, heating pads are NOT ever advised during convalescence from cosmetic surgery. A normal part of any surgical procedure is swelling, bruising and pain. Swelling in the skin and subcutaneous tissues not only reduces sensation, but also makes the delicate skin more susceptible to injury following surgery.
It’s very important to exercise caution during cosmetic surgery recovery. Small nerves are disrupted during surgery, which leaves you with temporary numbness around the surgical site. Normally when the pad gets too hot for comfort, you just remove it. This is natural defense mechanism, which is temporarily lost following surgery. The skin is numb, the surgical site is swollen and is very susceptible to being burnt quite easily. Pain medication may also interfere in monitoring, so I recommend using ice with some water in a zipper bag applied gently in most cases and refreshed as needed. The water helps keep the ice at a safe temperature to safely ease pain and swelling.
Never use heating pads during recovery from cosmetic surgery due to the risk of skin burns and scarring. Note that this risk can remain present and last for up to six months following surgery during the recovery process. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.
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