Archives: June 2024
Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery I Wish All Patients Knew
Undergoing bariatric surgery is a highly personal decision that requires a lot of thought and focus. Although the average bariatric patient is very well-versed in their procedure, we see patients daily who still harbor misconceptions that are either entirely untrue or have already been addressed by surgical technique and technology improvements. In this article, we look forward to reframing some of these issues, so you understand the actual value of bariatric surgery and make an informed decision with the appropriate information under your belt.
How Big Will My Scars Be After Bariatric Surgery?
SAMPA’s Four Key Points
- Scarring is a fact of any surgical procedure.
- Laparoscopic surgery has dramatically reduced the visibility of surgical scarring.
- Do not use scar ointments or treatment without prior approval from your doctor.
- Abdominal scars may be as small as 5mm, typically disappearing entirely in time.
While a plethora of benefits are associated with bariatric surgery, one of the most common concerns our patients worry about is scarring. How big will the incisions be? Will there be scars? Is it going to be evident I had a surgical procedure on my abdomen? This article will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Modern laparoscopy has allowed us to minimize the size of the incisions and, thus, address patients’ aesthetic concerns. However, the visibility of abdominal scars will depend on a patient’s skin and whether a patient has a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring.