How to Avoid Bariatric Surgery Scars

How Do Bariatric Surgery Scars Form?

Scarring happens whenever the skin is injured or cut and unfortunately cannot be avoided. The body is designed to repair itself, so when the skin is cut or scraped, the body begins creating new collagen and elastin to repair the damage, and this results in a scar.

Normally, when your body is producing collagen, it forms slowly and methodically in a close-knit basketweave type of formation, but when responding to an injury, there is a sense of urgency and the collagen is created rapidly and is formed more haphazardly resulting in a scar.

Weight loss surgery scars can vary depending on the type of surgery that was performed and how extensive the procedure was.

Key Factors Influencing Bariatric Scar Formation

Bariatric scar formation can be influenced by many different elements, including:

1. The type of bariatric surgery performed and the technique used, e.g. open or laparoscopic;
2. Patient-specific conditions such as genetics, age, ethnicity, and skin pigmentation. Darker skin tones tend to scar more easily, and younger patients are more likely to develop keloids (raised scars) because their bodies produce collagen faster;
3. The surgeon’s skill level;
4. How well the aftercare instructions are followed regarding wound care and scar mitigation. Infection can exacerbate scarring, and applying topical ointments can help prevent scar formation.

What Do Bariatric Surgery Scars Look Like?

The scars that result from different types of bariatric surgery can vary in length and placement and will depend on the specific surgery performed and the technique used.

Gastric Sleeve Scars

Scars after gastric sleeve surgery can appear invisible or patients can end up with four or five small light-colored scars on their abdomen or depending on the technique used, one long scar that runs from their navel and up to the breastbone.

If the surgeon is performing the procedure using the single-incision method, the gastric sleeve scar will be hidden within the belly button. The most common scarring after gastric sleeve surgery will be in the form of four to five incisions on the abdomen that range from ¼” to 1” in length.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Scars

The surgeon basically uses the same configuration of incisions to access the areas they are altering for both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, so the resulting scars will be positioned similarly.

Each scar can range anywhere from one-quarter of an inch to about an inch long, and usually five incisions will be made. Three incisions are usually located on the patient’s left side above the belly button and resemble the shape of a triangle with two others on the right; one positioned directly to the right of the belly button and the other a bit further to the right and higher up. If an open technique is used for gastric bypass surgery, the resulting scar can be eight to ten inches in length and run vertically between the sternum and the belly button.

Tips For Minimizing Bariatric Surgery Scars

Even though scarring is unavoidable after bariatric surgery, there are some things you can do to help minimize their appearance. The two main things that you need to focus on are avoiding infection and being deliberate and consistent in doing what you can to help your body with the healing process.

1. Follow the directions that the surgeon provides to you for aftercare to the letter;
2. Ensure your incisions are kept dry and clean;
3. Make sure your hands are clean when you are changing your incision dressings;
4. Avoid rubbing or using too much pressure when cleaning and drying your incisions;
5. Do not disturb the scabs that form;
6. Keep your incision areas out of the sun;
7. Eat a healthy diet, stay adequately hydrated, and get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. These are the building blocks your body needs to perform its healing magic;
8. After a few weeks, and when your surgeon advises, you can begin applying a topical gel or cream that is specifically designed to mitigate scarring, like Mederna, Aquaphor, or vitamin E.

Are There Weight Loss Surgeries With No Scars?

If you want to lose weight but prefer to avoid bariatric surgery and the weight loss surgery scars that can be left behind, Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions can help.

We specialize in helping individuals lose weight using non-surgical methods that do not leave any visible scars. Dr. Okeefe Simmons is trained in obesity medicine and is an expert in performing endoscopic weight loss procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and the placement of an intragastric balloon.

To learn more about non-surgical weight loss options that help you achieve sustainable weight loss without leaving bariatric surgery scars, set up a consultation with Dr. Okeefe Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions in Miami.