Will I Have Scars After My Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin Cancer Surgeons’ Tips for Minimizing Scars After Surgery
Skin cancer is a daunting diagnosis for many reasons. In addition to worrying about your health, most patients have concerns about the scars that they will be left with after skin cancer removal surgery.
But the reassuring news it that skin cancer is highly treatable with a 94 to 95% survival rate, especially when caught and removed early. And, fortunately, choosing the right skin cancer surgeon, and following proper post-operative care, can significantly minimize scarring.
Top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon Dr. Ali is board-certified in plastic surgery. He has helped hundreds of patients live long, cancer-free lives, with beautiful cosmetic results, with state-of-the-art skin cancer removal surgery.
In this article, top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon Dr. Ali offers insights and tips to help patients achieve the best possible aesthetic results after skin cancer surgery.
#1. Choose a Top Skin Cancer Surgeon
Choosing the best skin cancer surgeon for your cancer removal surgery is the single most important step in reducing or eliminating unsightly scarring afterwards. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon, rather than a general surgeon or dermatologic surgeon, is crucial for minimizing scarring.
Skin cancer surgeons like Dr. Ali who are board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in the delicate art of skin surgery and perform skin beautification and repair surgery almost daily. A plastic surgeon’s expertise ensures the precise and complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible with the smallest and most discreet incisions possible.
Skin cancer surgeons who are board-certified in plastic surgery take a meticulous approach that incorporates the most advanced surgical techniques, to reduce the size and visibility of scars during your skin cancer removal surgery. This is different from general surgeons or dermatologic surgeons who typically excise (cut out) the skin cancer – and then require patients to go to plastic surgeon for second reconstructive surgery to address cosmetic concerns.
Plastic surgeons can typically achieve optimal medical and aesthetic results in a single procedure. This not only minimizes scarring but also reduces the overall recovery time and potential complications!
#2. Skin Cancer Surgeons INSIST You Stop Smoking
The second most important step you can take to promote healing and reduce scarring after skin cancer surgery is to stop smoking. Smoking interferes with the body’s healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to poor wound healing and increased risk of infection, which leads to more prominent scarring.
For optimal healing, skin cancer surgeons recommend that you quit smoking for at least two weeks or longer before surgery. And hopefully this is great motivation for you to not resume smoking at all after surgery. By quitting smoking, you not only significantly improve your surgical outcomes and reduce the likelihood of noticeable scars, but you also reduce the risk of any type of cancer from occurring again.
#3. Follow Skin Cancer Surgeon’s Post-Op Instructions
Adhering to your skin cancer surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is essential for minimizing scarring. Top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon Dr. Ali will provide you with detailed guidelines tailored to your specific recovery and wound healing needs. These instructions typically include how to care for the surgical site, which medications to use, and any activity restrictions.
Keeping the surgical site clean and protected, changing dressings as indicated, avoiding sun exposure, applying prescribed ointments, and attending your regular follow up appointments with the skin cancer surgeon all contribute to better healing and less visible scars. Patients who diligently follow their post-surgical guidelines will experience a smoother recovery with scars that heal better for improved cosmetic results.
#4. Use Silicone with Your Skin Cancer Surgeon’s Permission
Silicone gel or sheets are widely recommended for scar management. These products create a protective barrier over the wound, helping to keep it hydrated and reducing scar formation. Applying silicone gel or sheets – as directed by your skin cancer surgeon – can often significantly improve the appearance of surgical cars.
#5. Maintain a Healthy Diet After Skin Cancer Surgery
A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports the body’s natural healing processes. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and protein, can promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation – which helps your surgical incisions to heal and reduces the likelihood of scarring.
You can also talk to your skin cancer surgeon about incorporating anti-inflammatory supplements like Turmeric or Bromelain into your diet for a few weeks before and after your surgery. Some skin cancer surgeons also approve the use of collagen supplements and protein powders to help provide the elements the skin needs to repair itself after skin cancer surgery.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial for skin health and elasticity, aiding in the overall skin healing process. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and heals more efficiently, leading to better cosmetic outcomes.
#6. Avoid Sun Exposure After Skin Cancer Surgery
Protecting the surgical site from sun exposure is critical to prevent darkening of the scar and other complications. UV rays can damage healing skin, and lead to more prominent and discolored scars.
Skin cancer surgeons advise patients to avoid direct sun exposure on the surgical area, especially during peak hours, for several months after skin cancer surgery. Staying out of the sun, wearing a protective hat or clothing over the surgical site, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can also help shield the area from harmful UV rays.
#7. Use Skin Cancer Surgeon Approved Topical Treatments
In addition to silicone products, there are various topical treatments that your skin cancer surgeon may approve to aid in scar healing. Prescription creams containing ingredients like retinoids or hyaluronic acid can promote healthy skin regeneration in some patients. Over-the-counter products containing arnica, aloe vera gel or cocoa butter have also been shown to promote skin healing and reduce the appearance of surgical scars over time.
However, ONLY apply topical treatments to your scars when approved by your skin cancer surgeon! Top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon Dr. Ali and our caring surgical staff will help you determine the best topical treatments, and when to apply them, for your specific scar reduction needs.
#8. Gentle Massage of Surgical Scars (After Healing)
Once the incision has fully healed, your skin cancer surgeon may approve gentle massage of the scar tissue to help break down dense collagen fibers and improve the scar’s appearance. The skilled and caring surgical staff at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area can demonstrate proper massage techniques and let you know if and when massage of your surgical scars is safe to begin.
Remember, while regular, gentle massage can make scars softer, flatter, and less noticeable over time, massage may not be right for every patient. So always consult with your skin cancer surgeon before beginning any massage or topical treatment of the surgical area.
Top Skin Cancer Surgeon | Troy, MI Area
One of the primary concerns for many patients undergoing skin cancer surgery is the potential for long term scarring. But we are happy to report that scarring after surgery can be significantly minimized by choosing the best skin cancer surgeon and adhering to proper post-operative care.
Top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Ali has performed combined cancer removal and skin reconstruction surgery on hundreds of patients who have lived long, healthy, cancer-free lives with beautiful aesthetic results. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and want to ensure that your cancer removal surgery does not leave you with unsightly scars, schedule a consultation with Top Troy, MI area skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Ali today.
