Postoperative Scar

No one wants to have a scar on their face after surgery. In preventing a scar, both the doctor and the patient have responsibilities. If you want the incision you made to heal well, as a doctor you need to ensure that the area closes without tension, that the edges meet end to end, and that the lips of the wound fully align. If

you create a slightly sunken closure, it may sink even more during healing. By placing sutures in the subcutaneous tissue, you need to provide proper support for the wound and suture the skin delicately in a way that minimizes scarring. On the patient’s side, the area should not be overly irritated, and prescribed creams such as antibiotic or moisturizing creams should be used appropriately. If you rub too much thinking you are cleaning dried blood, you disrupt the epithelialization process. If you irritate the area with your fingernail thinking you are cleaning crusts, you may cause the scar tissue to become more noticeable. These small details on both the doctor’s and the patient’s side form the foundation of having a good scar outcome.

Much love to all of you.