Does Cosmetic Surgery Leave Scars?

Yes, they do but fret not because all surgeries leave scars. However, cosmetic surgeries usually have the most minimal scarring. This is because cosmetic surgeons are focused on bringing the best aesthetic appeal to the part in your body you want to change. Let us discuss Does Cosmetic Surgery Leave Scars?

How do scars get formed?

Scars are formed as a side effect of healing done by the tissues of the body. Your body lays down collagen fibres at the area of the incision where the surgery was done; these fibres result in the hyper-pigmented, raised skin which we refer to as scars.
Fibres are laid randomly making the scar thick and firm, it is noticeable when you touch it. The scars also become quite rigid and may end up getting attaché to a muscle, tendon or a bone. This results in difficulty in movement, discomfort and even pain post-surgery. But all of this only happens if the scar is not treated properly or was not taken care of by the surgeon.

Cosmetic surgeons are trained professional that are able to minimise and almost completely diminish the scarring. They do this in multiple ways depending per surgery.

Hiding Technique

For hiding incision lines in most facial surgeries, your doctor will choose to make incisions where there is a natural crease to parallel it, thereby hiding it. Like, making creases along the hairline, behind the ear, along with the creases of the eyelids, along with the cupid bow etc. This, however, does not mean that there will be no scarring. It only means that they will not be visible. Other examples involve, making scars inside the mouth for chin and cheek augmentation and incisions inside the nose for rhinoplasty.

Cutting and Suturing technique

In this type of technique, the surgeon will lift off the skin off the fat layer by cutting it; this process stretches the skin easily and helps prevent scarring.
Post-surgery, when the operation is done, doctors use sutures which are basically surgical threads used to close up incisions. The way the doctor sutures can either maximise or minimise scarring, the method used by cosmetic surgeons to suture is as follows:

The Two-Fold Method

Beneath the incision, the surgeon uses absorbable sutures so they get embedded into the skin naturally. After that, the top layer of the skin where the incision is apparent, doctors will either glue them together or use suture with the finest material to minimise scarring.

Treatment methods for you

• Besides the method used by the doctors, they will also recommend at-home therapies and methods to minimise the scarring.
• Your doctor may suggest using silicone or silicone-based creams/gels as silicone is known to mend scar tissues. Other options involve taking Vitamin C or Zinc tablets, you will be sent home with recommendations of ointments to put on your sin to help the healing and to help prevent scarring.
• It is also important to use sunscreen of an SPF of 30 to prevent the scar from being hyper-pigmented due to exposure to UV radiation; even on cloudy days, it is crucial to use sunscreen.
• If the scars are a bit larger and have become rigid then massaging it can help. Apply lotion or Vitamin E oil and use your thumb or finger to apply pressure and massage the scar in a slow circular motion.
• Silicone scar pads have been shown to reduce scarring as they form a seal to retain the moisture in the scars thereby ensuring flexibility.
• Bending and extending the joints close to the scars helps in lessening the scar adhesion
• Retraction is also a method that can help with diminishing scars, place your thumb or finger at the end of your scar and move the body part in the opposite direction while applying constant pressure.
• It is very crucial that the patient obeys the instructions given to them by the doctor to ensure the best recovery.
• Lastly, it is important to recognise that scarring is inevitable when it comes to surgery and you should be prepared for some minor scarring post-surgery. Surgeons do their best to ensure there is not much scarring, it is important that you visit an experienced surgeon who has had good results for similar surgery.

Dr V. S. Rathore is one of the surgeons who fall under this category with more than 18 years of experience; he has performed more than 9000 successful surgeries. You can rest assured that we provide one of the best experience in Kolkata. We are attentive to the needs of our patients and we also understand the fear that a first timer may have, so we do our best to clear any doubts. If you have more questions about cosmetic surgery then check out or FAQ site, read our blogs and set up an appointment for the cosmetic surgery you have been craving to do.