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How to Care for Your FTM/FTN Top Surgery Scars
In our last blog, we discussed the type of scars that typically result from female-to-male (FTM) and female-to-nonbinary (FTN) top surgery. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to care for your top surgery scars, including strategies to help minimize scarring and optimize healing.
Factors Influencing Scar Formation
The initial thrill of a successful surgery eventually transitions to the reality of the healing process. An important part of this is the healing of the incisions and the ultimate scars that will eventuate. Most people want these to be quite inconspicuous.
You can play a very important role in the final appearance of the scars by following guidelines and instructions. Of course, genetics and other factors can play a role that is out of your control.
Several factors can influence how scars form and how noticeable they will be, including the following:
- Skin Type and Color: Individuals with darker skin tones are generally more prone to develop hyperpigmentation and thicker scars. Those with lighter skin tones may experience more redness of their scars.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to forming hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are raised, thicker and wider scars. Certain genetic diseases, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can also lead to the formation of wide scars.
- Age: Younger patients tend to heal faster, but typically their scars can, not infrequently, be more noticeable than those occurring in older individuals.
- Surgical Technique and Skill: The precision, surgical skill and knowledge of the surgeon absolutely play a significant role in the ultimate appearance of the scar. This also applies to their postoperative recommendations and regimens for their patients.
- Postoperative Care: Proper postoperative wound care and incision support are critical for the long-term outcome. This also applies to the usage of scar-mitigating agents such as silicone gel or silicone tape. Avoiding sun exposure (and tanning booths) for at least six to nine months is a must. Be sure to follow your postoperative instructions to help maximize the aesthetic results.
- Activity Restrictions: Any type of activity that can exert a distracting force on the incisions must be avoided for a significant period of time postoperatively. The reason for this is that such forces exerted on the incisions can lead to thick and wide scars. Though there are considerable variations of recommendations from plastic surgeons and individual patient factors, this period of time may be around two to three months.
Caring for Surgical Scars
As noted above, effective postoperative care is crucial for minimizing the appearance of top surgery scars. Here are some key tips:
- Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Adhering to your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions is essential for optimal healing and may include guidelines on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: UV exposure can make scars darker and more noticeable. You want to avoid sun exposure to the area for at least six to nine months though this can vary depending on individual characteristics. Shun shirts with a very high UPF and titanium and zinc-containing sunscreens can be very helpful.
- Use Silicone Scar Treatments: Silicone gel sheets or topical silicone gel can be effective in reducing the thickness and visibility of scars. If not recommended or mentioned by your plastic surgeon, ask about it.
- Limit Specific Motions and Activities: Activities that can have a distracting effect on the incisions (a pulling apart) should be avoided for around two to three months ideally. In this way, you can help reduce the risk of forming thicker and wider scars.
Phoenix, Arizona FTM and FTN Top Surgery Specialist
The skill and experience of Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub can help you achieve your aesthetic goals while minimizing scars and the risk of complications. Dr. Turkeltaub is a highly respected plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with over 35 years of experience performing cosmetic breast surgery, including gender-affirming top surgery in Phoenix, AZ. If you’re considering this transition and want to know more about your top surgery options or have any other questions, call us at (480) 451-3000.