Studies show that up to one in three Americans have bunions, and many of them decide to undergo bunion removal surgery to reduce the pain and discomfort they cause. But will you have a scar from bunion surgery? If you’re concerned about scarring tissue formation after this procedure, make sure to learn how to improve the scar healing process.
Does Bunion Surgery Leave a Scar?
Scarring is to be expected after the procedure, but the amount of it will depend on the type of bunion surgery you had. Remember – the main goal of this procedure is deformity correction and enabling the patient to function without pain and discomfort. Sometimes, the benefits you’ll gain from the procedure will imply scar tissue formation.
Some surgery types will imply more scars, but more often than not, a patient will be faced with minimal scarring. On the other hand, there are minimally invasive bunion surgery procedures that leave little to no scars since they imply minimal surgical incisions. Which type of surgery you’ll need will depend on your specific situation.
How to Take Care of Scars From Bunion Surgery?
Even if your surgery leaves visible scars, there are many different ways to break up scar tissue that may occur after the procedure. Here are some of the most effective ones.
Silicone Strips
Silicon strips are a good solution in the first weeks after the surgery (between the second and sixth one). They moisturize the scar and minimize scar tissue formation. Therefore, they have become one of the most used ways of scar tissue prevention.
Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive method can help increase blood circulation, which enables the body to break down the built-up scar tissue. Shockwave therapy is known to have great success when it comes to preventing permanent scarring.
Topical Treatments and Creams
Some studies show that cocoa butter, vaseline, and other topical treatments with moisturizing agents can successfully help patients reduce the amount of scarring.
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Scar Revision Surgery
When you want to get rid of scars that are persistent, scar revision surgery can be a good solution. Additionally, if the ripping of the sutures occurs, you can have a second surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon will cut out the scar. This way, your wound can heal without significant scar formation.
What Are the Best Products for Treating Scars?
Keep in mind that the wound is not fully healed once the scar tissue occurs. However, the occurrence of a scar means only that the wound is closed – but it’s not the end of a scarring process. In fact, it can continue for years. During this time, your body tries to restructure the damaged skin. To help this process, it’s best to use medical-grade silicone.
If you wish to reduce scarring that has occurred after the procedure, make sure you use silicone gel. It will help with flattening the skin and bringing a more natural skin color, thanks to the way it helps collagen regulation and dermal hydration.
Talk to Your Surgeon About Scar Treatment Before the Procedure
If you’re concerned about the scar tissue that may occur after the surgery, don’t hesitate to consult with professionals. Once they determine what type of correction you need, they can inform you more about the scarring amount that is to be expected.
If you’re in need of skilled experts, note that our team at Luxe Foot Surgery can provide you with a consultation and answer any questions you have about what to expect during and after the surgery. Contact us through an online inquiry or simply give us a call – and we will try to help you as best as we can.
FAQ
Does Bunion Surgery Leave Scars?
Bunion surgery can leave scars. However, the amount of scarring will depend on the type of surgery you had, as well as the chosen surgical procedure and the surgeon’s skills.
How Long Does It Take for Bunion Surgery Scar to Heal?
Although bunion surgery recovery lasts for around six weeks, keep in mind that scars can take up a lot more time to fully mature. However, you can reduce the amount of scar tissue with the help of appropriate treatment.
