Although most patients visit AVA MD seeking cosmetic surgical solutions and elective procedures – it is still critical to understand the risks of surgery, including the possibility of scarring.
Before you make the decision to undergo any surgical procedure it is important to discuss your entire health history with Dr. Shamban. This will allow her to determine if you have any predisposition to side effects such as excessive scarring. By sharing your entire health history as well as a list of any medications, supplements and vitamins you are taking can help set realistic expectations for your surgical outcome.
Conditions such as age, race and heredity all impact your scarring capacity. For example African American patients are more likely than Caucasian patients to form keloid scars on the surface of the skin. Additionally, older patients have likely lost elastin in their skin over time, which makes it more likely to scar.
Large or deep incisions are all more likely to scar than smaller incisions. If you are concerned that you are likely to scar after your surgery be sure to discuss the procedure with Dr. Shamban. She may be able to recommend a relocation of your incisions if you are worried about excessive or obvious scarring.
Finally, it is important to stop all tobacco use, including smoking prior to undergoing any surgical procedure. The nicotine found in these products restricts the flow of blood to your incision site and can actually cause the skin surrounding your surgical incision to blacken or even die.
To learn more about how you can achieve optimal results following your elective surgical procedure, contact Dr. Ava Shamban or the staff at AVA MD for more information today.