19 Jan Scars After Plastic Surgery: Can Arnica Montana & Vitamin E Aid Recovery?
Are Scars Common After Plastic Surgery?
Scars are an inevitable part of plastic surgery, no matter how skilled the plastic surgeon is. Scarring is the body’s form of wound healing. When skin tissue gets damaged, the body produces collagen to heal the wound. After the wound completely heals, the remaining scar is different in color and texture from the rest of the skin. Proper treatment can help to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Will certain factors make me more susceptible to scarring?
Although surgical scarring is more common in some, some people are more susceptible to scarring and delayed healing. These people possess specific characteristics or have lifestyle factors that lead to more prominent scarring. These factors can include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Exposure to environmental pollutants
- African descent
- Asian and Latino descent
- Genetic predisposition to scarring
- Sun exposure
People with these factors must take special care to treat the skin properly after any skin trauma like cosmetic surgery. Scarring takes many different forms and can vary by person.
Are there different types of scars?
Yes, a few different types of scars appear on the skin. Spots and faults can be large or small, flat, or raised. Here are a few of the most common types of scars.
- Keloids
- Raised scars that appear over the wounded areas due to excess scar tissue. This type of scar is more common in darker skin.
- Hypertrophic
- Raised areas that are darker or lighter than the person’s skin tone are smaller than keloids.
- Atrophic
- Skin scars appear depressed, like small pits or indentations in the skin.
- Flat
- These scars can also be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Flat spots can start as raised scars but flatten over time.
- Contracture
A scar that commonly develops after a burn. This scar makes the skin contract and can affect the muscles and nerves, restricting movement.
How long does it take for a scar to heal?
Scars take up to 18 months to fully heal. Typically, scars fade over time, and the first two years are crucial to scar treatment. After this window, spots are less likely to fade. The healing process can also feel itchy or painful in pinpoint areas. Researchers recommend patients shield scars from sunlight, eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and exercise to speed up the healing process.
Can Arnica Montana & Vitamin E heal scars?
Arnica is a plant found in Europe and Russia known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This plant comes in gel, cream, pill, and oil forms. The oils and creams can be applied directly to the skin to speed up wound healing. Massaging arnica creams and oils into the skin is a good technique because massage helps break down scar tissue. Vitamin E has long been hailed as a skin treatment. This oil hydrates and nourishes skin which can help the wound healing process. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from harmful free radicals. Vitamin E can be found in spinach, nuts, and olive oil. The vitamin is also available in supplement, cream, and oil forms.
Should I talk to my doctor about scarring?
Patients should discuss scarring and wound healing with a surgeon before surgery. The physician will educate patients about scar tissue and tailor treatment options based on the patient’s needs. Be sure to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to discuss scar concerns.