Post Operative Surgical Scarring - Hiding The Scars of Surgery

Because open heart surgery is a life saving operation, many patients are not immediately concerned with the scar left from the incision.

However, when the immediate rehabilitation process has passed, it is only natural (especially for female patients) to become more aware of the scars and some may have trouble dealing with them. Many people do learn to deal with them over time, although some remain self-conscious and have trouble with these permanent reminders of their operations.

A heart surgery incision for a standard heart operation is a 7inch to 10 inch vertical cut sown the chest, which extends along the length of the breastbone, this allows the surgeons to open the ribcage and expose the heart. Immediately after the operation the pain from the incision is not too severe, although patients may feel discomfort in the form of numbness, deep itchiness, tightness or suffer from a burning sensation. The long term discomfort is minimal, although the area will be prone to numbness. Scars vary in size and appearance, depending on how the patient heals. Apparently the younger you are when you experience heart surgery, the more pronounced your scar will be.

I have to be honest and say that in my own case, my scar did bother me a lot, especially in the beginning. Whilst it is true that every patient's experience is unique, and emotional responses will vary, in an ideal world we would wear the scars proudly to display the second chance we have been given at life. I write in my book that I hoped to wear it proudly one day, like the badge of honour it is. I tried the scar reducing patches three times, with little effect.

My research has shown me that some patients grow to accept and feel comfortable with their scars, while some, particularly younger patients, find it difficult to get used to the changes to their bodies. I know for a fact that my scar determines how I dress now, I will not look at low cut tops or dresses when I go shopping.

Treating the scar itself was an option that my heart doctor discussed with me. Scars that become thicker or develop bumps require more aggressive treatment, such as laser surgery or cryosurgery. However when I asked him about this post operatively, he remained strangely detached about the whole idea! Some surgery patients use an over-the-counter cosmetic concealer, which can camouflage scars and the discoloration they cause.

The concealer, Dermablend was specifically developed to cover up post-surgical discoloration and scars and will stay on the skin longer than conventional concealers, and it does give you a little more confidence at first.

Additionally, and more importantly, surgical procedures are now being developed that will cause less scarring. One of the procedures involves using incisions that are smaller than those conventionally used.

You can read about this amazing procedure in the index page, entitled “I chatted and joked with the surgeons as they carried out my heart bypass”.

But, the fact remained that my scar governed what I wore, duly noticed by my husband! Just recently he presented me with the gold necklace in the photograph, and I am hoping that I can convey my joy at being able to wear lower necklines again. The necklace has been designed in such a way that it falls straight between the breasts, it is weighted and will not slide to the side, like some I have tried.

If you are interested in purchasing one, please drop me a line. If enough interest is generated, then we hope to have them available for sale in the near future.

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Post Operative Surgical Scarring - Hiding The Scars of Surgery

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