One of the most common questions about stomach surgery is whether any scars will remain afterward. Today, surgeries are carried out with small incisions to minimize scarring and avoid extensive wounds. Thanks to newer surgical techniques, the likelihood of visible scars after the operation is extremely low. If you follow your doctor’s instructions and use the recommended creams, you may notice that any post-surgical scars fade significantly. If home treatments with scar creams do not yield results, you could consider laser therapy. When the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon, the incisions are very small and closed with aesthetic sutures, so even if there is a scar, it will likely be minimal.
Techniques Used in Sleeve Gastrectomy and Possible Scars
One method commonly used in sleeve gastrectomy (tüp mide) surgery is laparoscopic surgery. With this method, very small incisions are made in different areas of the abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope (camera) and other instruments through these tiny openings. The operative area is carefully prepared and illuminated so that the surgeon can see everything on a high-resolution monitor during the procedure. This approach helps minimize post-surgery pain and reduce the risk of large or visible scarring.
After the operation, besides focusing on the recommended diet, many patients worry about whether a permanent scar will form. This raises the question: “Will there be any scarring after stomach surgery?” Thanks to aesthetic suturing techniques, there typically isn’t a noticeable, large scar. For the small, remaining scars, there are various treatments available. Among them are scar-reducing creams, which can help speed up scar healing. These methods can help alleviate patients’ concerns about scarring.
Characteristics of Post-Laparoscopic Surgery Scars
After laparoscopic surgery, the scars are often hidden in or around the navel area, which makes them much less noticeable. Since aesthetic suturing techniques are used, permanent, unsightly scars are typically not an issue. However, each patient’s skin and tissue may react differently, so the extent or appearance of scarring can vary from one individual to another. If you find the appearance bothersome, there are several scar treatment methods that can be used to improve it.
Where Do Sleeve Gastrectomy Scars Appear?
- Postoperative sutures (stitches) are usually located in or around the navel and its surroundings.
What Do Sleeve Gastrectomy Scars Look Like?
- These scars are generally quite small, about the size of a keyhole, so there is little reason to worry. In many cases, the scars can fade to the point of becoming nearly invisible.
Methods to Minimize Surgical Scars
Following your doctor’s instructions is key to proper postoperative scar care. After the initial healing period, you can start using the recommended treatments.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy after surgery is an option if you remain bothered by persistent or noticeable surgical scars. Laser treatment can reduce the appearance of stitch lines and promote tissue healing without further incisions.
Scar Creams
You can also try specialized scar creams to address any scars that bother you. By applying them regularly as recommended by your doctor, you may see a significant improvement in tissue healing and a reduction in scar visibility.
Aesthetic Suturing Techniques
To achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome, the surgeon uses the most appropriate suturing technique for your skin type. When done properly, these stitches are usually barely noticeable or may even be described as “practically invisible.”
Postoperative Scar Care: What Should You Pay Attention To?
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for postoperative scar care. Make sure to give yourself enough rest. If you have aesthetic sutures, you typically will not have any uncomfortable stitch marks on the surgical site.
More importantly, beyond the concern about scarring, you need to focus on proper rest and healthy eating as advised by your doctor to facilitate overall recovery. If any scars do remain, you can use doctor-recommended creams to help minimize them. If the scars still persist, laser therapy can deliver effective results. During this period, prioritize rest and avoid straining yourself until you have fully healed.
How Long Does It Take for Sleeve Gastrectomy Scars to Fade?
After sleeve gastrectomy, the tissues need time to heal. Even though the incisions are small, the marks that remain may take up to two years to fade completely. These marks are typically so minimal that they are hardly noticeable. Over those two years, you may see these scars gradually lose their depth and become less prominent. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on individual healing rates and other personal factors.
Need More Information?
If you still have questions such as “Will there be any scarring after stomach surgery?”, you can reach out to Dr. Güven Görkem and his team. By getting detailed information about both the preoperative and postoperative phases from a qualified expert, you can make the best decision for your health.
