Forming scar after surgery in Atlanta is a natural part of the healing process as the body repairs the wound. Every surgical incision, cut, scrape or burn may render a scar. Scars in Atlanta can lead to an array of functional, cosmetic and psychological consequences. The characteristics of the scar depend on size, location, suturing technique, and method of wound treatment. Other factors include individual age, race, and genetic predisposition to scarring.
Atlanta Scars resulting from surgical incisions can become abnormal regardless of the skill of the surgeon. Dr. Okoro believes in active scar management to obtain the best results after surgery. His 12 week scar management program is designed to minimize the visibility of scars after surgery. BioCorneum is an integra part of his scar management.
WHAT IS BIOCORNEUM?
BioCorneum is a patented, transparent, self-drying silicone gel that improves the appearance of scars and prevents abnormal or excessive scar formation. It is the only 100% silicone scar treatment with SPF providing UVA/UVB protection. BioCorneum softens and flattens raised scars, reduces redness and relieves itching and discomfort associated with scars – both old and new. BioCorneum is available at our office.
12 WEEK SCAR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Dr. Okoro’s chosen product to address scarring is bioCorneum+. Using bC+ will provide the best environment for the scar to heal and will help speed up the healing process. We recommend that all of our patients use this after their sutures are removed and their wound is closed. We carry this in our office as a convenience for you. It is a self-adhering, self-drying silicone cream that also contains a mild broad spectrum SPF 30. At suture removal, start applying bC+ twice a day very sparingly to your scar for twelve weeks, or until you stop seeing noticeable results. If you have a tendency to form hypertrophic or keloid scars, you may want to use it for 6 months to a year. bC+ has been shown to help prevent the formation of these types of scars. One “pea size” drop is enough to cover a three inch scar. Massaging bC+ into your scar will help to break up the scar tissue. bC+ should dry right away and within a few minutes will form a slick surface over your scar. bC+ will gradually wear off throughout the day, which is why we have you reapply it at night to make sure you are getting a solid 24 hour per day exposure to the silicone.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KELOIDS & HYPERTROPHIC SCARS
Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the original wound or point of incision, while hypertrophic scars appear raised but stay within the confines of the initial wound or point of incision. Both keloids and hypertrophic scars occur during the healing process and most commonly happen to people of color.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offers African American patients considering plastic surgery the following information about keloids and hypertrophic scars:
- Although most common in people of color, not all African Americans develop keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- Keloids or hypertrophic scars can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common around the breasts, chest, shoulders, and ears.
- The chances of developing them may increase if there is a family history of keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- If a patient has keloids or hypertrophic scars from a previous incision or wound, there is an increased chance of developing them again.
- The tendency of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars decreases with age.
To schedule a confidential consultation for scar management at our Atlanta area plastic surgery practice, please call us or email us today!
