Do scars create any limitations for someone who underwent a body lift?

Question

If scars only have 80% of the tensile strength of normal skin does that create any limitations for someone who underwent a lower body lift? Will I be able to play soccer when I'm fully healed, and slide tackle someone without worrying about tearing in half? How does reduced tensile strength manifest (cut more easily etc)? Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank  you very much for your question regarding scar tensile strength after a belt lipectomy, lower body lift, or 360 circumferential lower body lift.  Yes, indeed, you are correct in that a 360 circumferential lower body lift scar has a tensile strength of approximately 80%.   These are mostly laboratory measurements and should not affect your activities of daily living or sports after the incision is completely healed.  After your lower body lift, I would let your body heal for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Then, you can slowly increase your activity level. Usually 4 to 6 months after your lower body lift surgery, you should be able to return to activities like soccer  with slide tackling etc.   good luck!. If you have any questions regarding healing after a bodylift, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

Scars from a body lift surgery can vary in size and location depending on the individual and the specific procedure. While scars are a natural part of the healing process, they may have some potential limitations:
1. Range of Motion: Scars can sometimes restrict the range of motion in the affected area, especially if they are large or thick.2. Sensation: Scars can affect sensation in the area where they are located. Some people may experience numbness or altered sensation near the scar.3. Appearance: Scars may be visible, and their appearance can vary. This can affect self-esteem and body image.4. Healing Time: It’s important to allow scars to fully heal, which can take several months. During this time, strenuous physical activities may be limited.5. Sun Exposure: Scars should be protected from sun exposure to prevent them from becoming more noticeable. 
It’s essential to consult with a plastic surgeon who can provide advice based on your specific situation. They can discuss the potential limitations and help you manage and minimize the impact of scars after a body lift surgery.

Varun Gupta, MD · Answer

You are correct in stating that scars can gain up to 80% of the strength of normal skin. This is usually achieved by about 6-8 weeks after surgery. The main implication of this process is to use caution and avoid stress on incisions during the first 4-6 week when they are more susceptible to disruption. Generally, you can go back to unrestricted activity (including playing soccer) in about 12 weeks. Do note that certain medical conditions and medications may prolong wound healing so be sure to discuss them with you plastic surgeon.

Rachel Streu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting your question!The take home point for patients when we discuss scar strength in the post op period, is to understand that scars take time to build strength and that they will always be less strong when compared to non-scarred skin. This healing process guides surgeons in making recommendations for your postoperative recovery and activity restrictions. As your scars get stronger, you can expect them to withstand more stress and there are benefits to taking it easy until scars have accumulated some strength. Getting back to doing activities that you love is the goal and several months out from your operation you will have a very low risk in doing so. I hope that helps address your concern.Best wishes!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The skin reaches it maximum strength about 6 weeks after an incision is closed. After this point, it would be extremely unlikely to have any problems. By 3 months, you can do all you want.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. After your incisions are fully healed, you should not experience any issues with fragile skin or tearing. If you do, then the scar should be revised so that it does not cause any issues. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
 
 Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Do scars create any limitations for someone who underwent a body lift?

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