PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on a scar correction, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you. You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

With a scar correction at Caolín, the surgery is tailored to your individual needs and desires.
The scar that needs correction is likely to become nicer and less bothersome, but it is important to be aware that scars will always be visible.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely. If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

It is a good idea to shop and prepare meals before the surgery, so you can focus on your recovery afterward.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery usually takes place under local anesthesia, so you are awake during the procedure and can go home shortly afterward.

When the surgery starts, you will receive local anesthesia in the entire area. You will be able to feel that something is happening, but it should not be painful, just slightly uncomfortable when the local anesthesia is administered.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (no eating, chewing gum, smoking, or similar). You may drink clear fluids like water and sugary drinks in small amounts until 2 hours before the surgery; do not drink milk, juice, etc.

It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

The surgery takes ½-1 hour.
Initially, the surgeon will administer local anesthesia. It is applied with a very thin needle and may sting a bit, but it is quickly over. The anesthesia works within a few minutes. This is done regardless of whether the surgery is under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

The old scar is then cut away and the skin is stitched together internally with dissolvable threads. If there is a significant pull on the skin, it may be necessary to suture the skin.

Suture removal will depend on the location. The surgeon will plan this with you after the surgery if relevant.
Finally, you will have tape over the wounds and possibly a absorbent dressing.



AFTER THE SURGERY

If the surgery was performed under local anesthesia, you can go home immediately afterward. You may drive if you can safely operate the vehicle.
If the surgery was under general anesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurse will monitor you. You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged after a few hours.
Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY

Take it easy for the first few days to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. You should drink plenty of fluids.



PAIN

should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days.
Many people experience stabbing and sharp pain in the operated area. This is normal and occurs because the nerves are re-establishing connections. These sensations can last for up to 1 year after the surgery.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you may receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



ACTIVITY

You should avoid strenuous physical activity until you come for a check-up 10-14 days after the surgery. You may walk and cycle at a gentle pace depending on the extent of the surgery.



WORK

Depending on where on the body and how extensive the scar correction is, you can generally resume work immediately afterward.



SLEEPING POSITION

Depending on the location of the scar, you will be informed if it can affect the result.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds (unless you have drains). Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing.

The brown plaster must remain until your follow-up appointment. It can withstand water. Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.

You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



BLEEDING

It is normal to have some discharge from the wounds in the first few days. You will be given extra dressings for this.

However, it is important to monitor for bleeding from the breast in the first few days. If bleeding occurs, which is a rare complication, the breast may become hard and swollen. If this happens, contact the clinic so we can evaluate you.



BLEEDING

Slight discharge, bruising, and swelling around the wound are entirely expected.
Minor bleeding can usually be stopped by resting and applying a firm, constant pressure with something cold for about 15 minutes.

Symptoms of bleeding include severe or sudden swelling, discoloration, and intense pain. If you experience this, you should contact the clinic.



SCARS

The scars from the surgery will typically be red and swollen but will improve over 6-24 months. Over time, scars usually become narrow and lighter I color, but in some cases, they may become wide and darkly pigmented.

You may apply a soothing cream to the scars once they are completely healed. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection, slow healing, and unsightly scars.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

At discharge, you will be given a phone number to contact the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, a nurse will call you the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure that you are doing well.



FOLLOW-UP

After 10-14 days, you will have a follow-up with the nurse at the clinic. The dressings will be removed, the wounds will be checked, and the threads will be removed if applicable. You may be called in for thread removal before or after this time.

New tape will be provided, which you should change every 10-12 days or if it becomes visibly dirty. The tape should be used for about 3 months. The tape helps keep the scar narrow, flat, and level with the rest of the skin.

We will discuss how you should proceed moving forward. You will be offered an appointment for follow-up with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you encounter any issues before then, you are always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms typically appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars become nice and white over time, but some people tend to develop red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Hematoma: A blood accumulation that can occur within the first 24 hours after the surgery.

Bruising and Swelling: This is completely normal and subsides over the first few weeks.

Reduced Sensation: Sensory disturbances and reduced sensation can occur in the operated area. This usually disappears within 6-9 months, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

Tissue Death: Means that parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this occurs, it will require surgical removal or waiting for the body to heal the area from within, as assessed by the surgeon. If you are overweight or smoke, there is a higher risk for this.

Unevenness and Asymmetry: The skin may become uneven, and asymmetry can occur. Asymmetry is naturally common, and although the surgery can smooth it out, there is always a small risk of an uneven result. The worse the skin quality, the greater the risk that the skin will loosen again over time and the asymmetry may recur.