The average person will likely experience an invasive surgical procedure at some point in their lifetime, especially as they get older. While many types of surgeries are becoming more advanced and minimally-invasive, there are still a number of major surgeries that leave scars on the body. Usually, scarring is the least of a person’s worries when heading in for surgery. However, months or years later, the scar will remain and serve as a constant reminder of the procedure.
In this article we will look at some of the most common procedure types that lead to scarring and what you can do to help your scars fade over time.
In this article we will look at some of the most common procedure types that lead to scarring and what you can do to help your scars fade over time.
Open heart surgery
Open heart surgery is any procedure type that requires the chest to be cut open, exposing the muscles, valves, and arteries of the heart. Nowadays, some heart surgeries can be performed as a minimally-invasive procedure. However, in cases where more of the heart needs to be exposed, a larger incision is necessary. Coronary heart disease is the most common reason that people will elect to have open heart surgery done. After surgery, it is important to keep your incision site clean and dry, and to wash your hands before and after touching it. Scars that result from open heart surgeries are usually about 8-10 inches in length down the middle of the chest.C-sections
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. Approximately 1 in 3 babies in America are born via cesarean section. Usually, a doctor will plan a C-section prior to the delivery date so that the new mother has an idea of what to expect. The decision to have a C-section may be a response to a number of concerns in utero, such as the position of the baby or health concerns of the mother. You will likely spend a few days in the hospital after your procedure to resume your strength. Most C-section scars are about six inches in length along the lower abdomen. When at home, it is important to keep your incision clean and covered to avoid infection.Appendectomy
An appendectomy is the surgical procedure of removing the appendix. The appendix is a small tube-shaped organ that branches off the large intestines. An appendectomy is usually performed to treat appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix when it becomes infected. If left untreated, appendicitis can be extremely painful and, in some cases, even lead to death. The scar that results from this procedure will be about 2-3 inches in length on the lower right part of the abdomen.Mastectomy
A mastectomy is the removal of all or part of a breast in response to breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomies depending on the severity and spread of the cancer. A partial mastectomy involves removing the breast cancer in addition to a large portion of the breast tissue. A total mastectomy involves removing the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, and much of the surrounding skin. A modified radical mastectomy involves removing the entire breast in addition to the lymph nodes under the arm. Many scars after a mastectomy measure about 6-8 inches in length, depending on the specific procedure type.Knee replacement surgery
Also known as knee arthroplasty, this surgery is done to help patients with severe knee pain and limited knee functionality. The procedure involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage in the knee and replacing them with artificial joints (prosthesis) made of metal alloys and medical-grade plastics. The joints in the knees usually wear down over time due to age or an underlying condition like arthritis. Scars resulting from knee replacements can measure anywhere from 6-10 inches, depending on if it was a total or partial knee replacement.Post-operative scar therapy
Silicone gel technology for scars is the only clinically-proven topical treatment currently available for the prevention and management of abnormal scar types. The use of medical silicone for post-operative scar therapy has been the gold standard that physicians have recommended for over thirty years. Patient compliance with topical silicone is high, making it an attractive referral option for physicians. Because silicone gel comes in many different forms, there is an option for every scar type. Silicone gel sheeting comes in a variety of specific shapes and sizes that are designed to fit the size of your scar. Silicone scar sticks, on the other hand, are an easy-to-use and effective option for treating your scars on the go.Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.
