Top Surgery Scars | What You Need To Know
“Never be ashamed of the scars that life has left you with. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound has closed, you endured the pain, and you are healed.”
This is a big moment in your life and I’m glad you’re here because it means you’re doing your research to be more prepared! Let’s cover some need-to-knows about your top surgery scars!
Scars Are Natural
It’s important to remember that your body heals itself naturally. No matter how much you do for your top surgery scars, at the end of the day, it’s up to your skin. Patience is going to play a huge role in your recovery while your incisions heal. Meanwhile, focus on giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal and form healthy scars.
Assist With Supplements
Your body is working in overdrive to heal your incisions and the first step is to help your body have what it needs! Certain elements of nutrition are known to aid in the reduction of scar tissue and help your body heal itself. Things like protein, zinc, and Vitamin C. It’s always important to consult your doctor and surgeon to make sure what you take is approved for surgery!
Skin Products
After all, your skin is what’s doing all the work! There are a number of oils and rubs that people have had success with to keep scars extra hydrated. While doing some research, I found that Buck Angel (pioneering filmmaker, speaker, and advocate) has had excellent results with Emu oil. “I have found this to be one of the best products on the market for many skin problems as well as healing scars. I used it for my hysterectomy scars and it was fantastic. Right now I am in the works of testing it on trans men who have just had surgery with amazing results.” -Buck Angel
Massage - Work it!
Massaging the tissue around the scars has been found to help the healing process. It’s recommended to wait at least two weeks after surgery to start massaging your top surgery scars. It is most effective to massage your scars for the first two years after having surgery. Besides decreasing scar tissue build-up, tissue massages have been proven to help improve blood flow which promotes healing and increases the scars’ “pliability”. Working the area surrounding the scars drains excess fluid to reduce swelling, helps to regain feeling in the area, increases scars flexibility, and promotes the building of collagen.
Will I have noticeable top surgery scars?
Whether or not your scars are prominent comes down to a few factors. It depends on your genetics and your history of scarring in the area and the location of your scars. Taking care of your body and providing it what it needs when healing will help minimize the scarring and allow you to restore those cells successfully!
All in all, when healing from extensive surgery, much of the treatment will depend on the style of surgery you have and how easy you are on body afterward. Following these tips will help you minimize your top surgery scars effectively. Have you had top surgery? What would you recommend to your trans* family about the healing process? Drop some tips, tricks, and questions you may have below!