Improve How Your Scars Heal

Wounds need a lot of energy to heal well. Since energy can only come from food, it is vital to eat healthily especially before and after surgery, or after an injury. Crucial nutrients for wound healing include protein, zinc and the vitamins A and C.

So what are the best things to eat? Meats, nuts, beans and dairy products are great sources of protein. Yogurt, green peas, beef, oysters, black beans and crab are great sources of zinc. Carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and apricots are great sources of vitamin A. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are great sources of Vitamin C.

Unfortunately, the body does not divert enough vitamin C to the skin. Using a topical scar treatment containing a stable form of vitamin C will increase the amount of vitamin C reaching the skin.

Good hydration is also crucial so it is important to drink enough water. Dehydration causes the skin and soft tissues to lose moisture and become dry. Dry wounds do not heal well. A good goal is to drink eight (8 oz) glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeinated products because caffeine can cause dehydration. Scar treatments containing dimethicone silicone also help boost hydration by trapping moisture. This improves scar healing.

Smoking can also really affect healing. The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes blood vessels to shrink, so tissues do not receive enough of the nutrients and oxygen required for healing. At best, this can cause the wound healing process to take much longer. At worst, smoking can cause wounds to breakdown and open up. These “problem” wounds typically eventually heal but leave the worst scars. Unfortunately, many smoking-cessation products will also increase the risk of healing problems because of the nicotine they contain!

Cigarette smoke also contains carbon monoxide. This combines with blood cells preventing them from carrying oxygen. This lowers the level of oxygen in the blood. Since oxygen is vital for healing, it is crucial to stop smoking to decrease the risk of healing complications.

Another great thing to do is exercise. Regular aerobic exercise improves healing and boosts the immune system. Start with walking and progressively build up to more of a sweat (but don’t forget to get the “all-clear” from your doctor if you are recovering from surgery).

Dr C


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PRMA Plastic Surgery specializes in advanced breast reconstruction procedures that use the patient's own tissue. Procedures offered include the DIEP flap, SIEA flap, GAP flap, and TUG flap reconstruction. We are In-Network for most US insurance plans. Patients are routinely welcomed from across and outside the USA. Connect with other breast cancer reconstruction patients at www.facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery.

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FDA Approves Silicone Breast Implants

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the two largest plastic surgery membership organizations, applaud the FDA’s decision today to approve Allergan Corp. and Mentor Corp.'s silicone breast implants and return these devices to the U.S. market. This decision comes 14 years after the FDA restricted access to the silicone implants because of safety concerns.

“This is a great day for American women and the plastic surgeons who care for them,” said Roxanne Guy, MD, ASPS president. “Silicone breast implants have been scrutinized more than any medical device, and we applaud the FDA for making its well thought-out decision and allowing American women to make informed choices about their health care.”

Today’s FDA decision follows a lengthy process in which the agency sent “approvable with conditions” letters to the two silicone breast implant manufacturers in the second half of 2005. The approvable letter stipulated a number of conditions that the manufacturers needed to satisfy in order to receive FDA final approval to market and sell silicone breast implants in the United States. These letters came after an FDA advisory panel hearing in April 2005, in which the panel heard more than 20 hours of data presentations from the manufacturers and public comment.

Approximately 300,000 women chose breast augmentation in 2005, according to ASAPS and ASPS statistics. Nearly 58,000 women had breast reconstruction in 2005, according to ASPS. Both breast augmentation and reconstruction have been proven in numerous studies to have psychological and physical benefits for women who choose these procedures.

The ASPS and ASAPS will continue to offer their assistance to the manufacturers for the conditions set forth by the FDA related to physician and patient education. One comprehensive example of this assistance is a joint Web site, breastimplantsafety.org, which offers objective and science based information regarding saline and silicone breast implants.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. www.surgery.org.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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Minas T Chrysopoulo, MD
Board certified plastic surgeon specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy including the DIEP flap operation.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA) of South Texas,
San Antonio, TX
(210) 692-1181, Toll Free (800) 692-5565
www.prma-enhance.com
www.look-your-best.yourmd.com

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