With rising obesity and overweight rates, many people turn to weight loss surgery as a last resort. One of the popular weight loss surgeries is gastric sleeve surgery. This surgery removes a large portion of the stomach, resulting in less food intake and weight loss. However, one of the side effects of VSG surgery is scarring.
Scarring is the body’s natural way of healing. When the skin is broken, the body produces collagen to repair the area.
Here are the dos and don’ts to help you minimize scarring after gastric sleeve surgery.
1. Use a Silicone Scar Sheet
During a bariatric sleeve surgery, a long incision is made to reach and remove a portion of the stomach. It leaves a large, visible scar that can be noticeable. While there are many ways to help minimize the appearance of scars, one of the most effective is to use a silicone scar sheet.
It is essential to start using the scar sheet as soon as the incision has healed and been checked by your doctor. The sheet protects the scar from dirt and other irritants that can cause the scar to become inflamed. It helps to keep the area moisturized, which is essential in healing.
2. Keep the Surgical Sites Clean
You will need to keep your surgical sites clean and dry for the first two weeks after surgery. During this time, you should:
- Gently clean the incisions with a bar of mild soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the incisions if recommended by your surgeon.
- Cover the incisions with a clean, dry bandage.
After two weeks, you can shower as usual. Be sure to pat the incisions dry afterward.
It is essential to keep an eye on your incisions for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice these signs, please contact your surgeon.
If you are unhappy with the results of your surgery, you may wonder if there is a revision or scar revision surgery procedure that can help. A gastric bypass to gastric sleeve revision is a complicated surgery that an experienced bariatric surgeon should only perform.
Read more: Is It Possible to Get Gastric Sleeve Surgery Twice?
3. Eat Foods High in Vitamin C and E
Vitamin C and E help to support the skin’s natural healing process. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts.
Foods high in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and spinach.
Fad diets should be avoided following surgery as they can deplete the body of essential nutrients needed for healing. A well-balanced diet that includes lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is best.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
It is essential to stay hydrated after surgery. Drinking plenty of water is essential for many reasons, including to:
- prevent dehydration
- promote healing
- prevent constipation
- flush out toxins
5. Use Sunscreen
Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can help prevent the formation of scars. Be sure to apply sunscreen to any incisions, especially if you will be outdoors for an extended period.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or as directed on the label. If swimming or sweating, you will need to reapply more frequently.
Hospital BC is one of the best places for gastric sleeve in Mexico. Our specialists are highly trained and experienced in performing this surgery.