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heart surgery scar female
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Question #16503
2 days ago
17

heart surgery scar female - #16503

Shlok

I am a 34-year-old female, and I had heart surgery few months ago. Everything went well, or at least that’s what the doctors said. But I can’t stop worrying about my heart surgery scar. It’s really visible and I feel like it’s changing my whole body image. I mean, I'm already addressing the physical recovery post-surgery, and now this scar is adding on to it. My sister says scars are stories of survival, but honestly all I see is this ugly mark on my chest. I've been following the doctor's aftercare advices, using silicone strips and all but I don’t see any difference with the heart surgery scar. Like, how long does it usually take for a heart surgery scar to heal? Does it become less noticeable with time? Also, do any treatments really work, like some creams or something? I feel like I've read things online that show mixed results, and I'm just super anxious about how this scar will look in the years to come. There’s this constant worry about what people will think or how I will feel wearing a swimsuit again. Has anyone gone through this? What can I realistically look forward to with this heart surgery scar? I guess I just need some real experiences from other females who have had a similar journey. Is there hope for it to fade?

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Doctors’ responses

Scarring after heart surgery can be quite concerning, especially as it deals with both physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Generally, heart surgery scars can take several months to a year to significantly improve in appearance, with the color gradually fading and the texture possibly flattening over time. You’ve mentioned using silicone strips, which are indeed one of the most evidence-based methods for improving scar appearance. They can help reduce the thickness and visibility of the scar if used consistently over several months. Keep applying them as directed, as they may be a slow yet effective approach.

There are several topical treatments that could potentially assist in improving the scar’s appearance. Look for creams containing ingredients like onion extract (such as those found in products like Mederma) or Vitamin E. However, regarding mixed results in online reviews, the efficacy of these creams can vary greatly from person to person. It’s essential to be patient, as these treatments are more likely to yield gradual improvement rather than immediate results.

Another option could be consulting with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about professional treatments. These may include laser therapy, which can reduce the redness and make the scar less prominent, or microneedling, which can improve the texture and elasticity of the scarred skin. However, these treatments might not be covered by insurance and can incur additional costs.

It’s also important to focus on sun protection, as sunlight can darken scars. Applying a high SPF sunscreen religiously when exposed to the sun can prevent the scar from becoming more noticeable. Regarding the anxiety about your body image and wearing swimsuits, it’s useful to remind yourself that over time, with proper care, the scar will likely become less prominent. It might help to connect with support groups or forums where others who’ve undergone similar procedures share their experiences. Sometimes, hearing from others can provide a different perspective and underscore that these scars are indeed part of a journey towards healing and survival.

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