To help assure that your new look is free of plastic surgery scarring, Jacksonville's top facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia, offer these tips: 1. In your first consultation with your plastic surgeon, ask how he or she hides patients' scars. Placement of incisions is critical. Make sure that it's the surgeon's policy is to place the incision in an unseen area, such as behind the ears, in the fold of the eyelids or behind the hairline. Ask to see before-and-after photos of their patients' procedures. Once you're confident that you've chosen the right facial plastic surgeon, begin preparing. 2. If you smoke, stop now. Most surgeons will insist that you break the habit at least two to six weeks prior to your surgery. Among the major acute problems for an active smoker is the carbon monoxide effect on oxygen carrying capacity in the blood stream. A chronic problem is that the Nicotine constricts the pipelines for blood flow to the skin, greatly diminishing blood flow over time. Both of these issues reduce the skin's ability to heal properly and cause premature aging. 3. Cut your alcohol intake. Alcohol thins the blood, slows healing and increases bruising. To help avoid plastic surgery scars, abstain from drinking alcohol for at least one week before your surgery and one week afterward - longer if you are taking pain medications. 4. Take it easy after your surgery. Excessive movement can cause swelling and prevent cross-linking of collagen and fibrin necessary to hold your wound together and allow for smooth, scar-free healing. Excessive forceful moving also can pull the incision apart, causing even more scarring potential. Follow all of your surgeon's instructions concerning movement and post-operative dressing carefully. 5. Maintain a healthy diet that includes lots of water and fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your skin in optimal condition. Hydrated and healthy skin provides for a better foundation for your new look. 6. Limit your skin's sun exposure. The sun's rays can cause darkening and thickening of scars for up to a year after surgery, so adopt a lifestyle of protecting your skin from excessive or unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a high SPF sun block every day and ask your plastic surgeon how soon you can apply sun block and moisturizer after your surgery. 7. Tell your plastic surgeon about any and all prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking or have taken over the past year. Systemic steroids commonly used to treat inflammation, pain, asthma, or allergies can thin the skin and significantly slow healing. 8. Manage your stress. Study after study has proven that a patient's outlook affects their ability to heal. Those who are well rested and optimistic heal better and quicker than those who are depressed, anxious or stressed out. Get plenty of restorative sleep and fill your environment with positive, uplifting people, sights and sounds. For more information about facial plastic surgery scars, Jacksonville's Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can be reached at (904)247-8522.
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