Many surgeons have shown me their work which consists of mostly white women. I am mixed race and more of a darker tone (skin type 5) . Is this something I should consider when looking for a surgeon? I do really like a lot of their work I just wish I could see an idea of how someone of my colour heals. I heal pretty well scars turn white and disappear quickly if I don't pick at my skin but never had stitches or anything cut that deep before
Answer: Surgical scars in mixed race skin type Dear D Londonx,You don't say what operation you are considering having . . .Scar quality varies a lot in people with all skin types, not just darker or mixed race skin types. Lighter skinned people of Scottish, Oriental or even Mediterranean can also form bad scars. The main thing determining scar quality is avoiding tension in the skin layer - so deeper stitches that take the tension off the skin are important.Avoiding infection is also important. Lastly, avoiding bad scars in the first instance is better than treating them once they occur, as this may require painful Kenalog injections or expensive silicone sheets. I have experience operating on patients with different all skin types. All my patients who have surgery on their breasts or abdomens use inexpensive brown 3M micropore surgical tape on their scars for periods of 6-12 months, leaving it on for 2 weeks at a time. It is showerproof so it is no trouble at all. I also use internal stitches that last for 180 days. The stitches on the inside and the tape on the outside ensure tension free closure of the wounds. Support garments are also helpful in supporting the wounds during the healing process.I hope this information is useful and gives you some reassurance.
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Answer: Surgical scars in mixed race skin type Dear D Londonx,You don't say what operation you are considering having . . .Scar quality varies a lot in people with all skin types, not just darker or mixed race skin types. Lighter skinned people of Scottish, Oriental or even Mediterranean can also form bad scars. The main thing determining scar quality is avoiding tension in the skin layer - so deeper stitches that take the tension off the skin are important.Avoiding infection is also important. Lastly, avoiding bad scars in the first instance is better than treating them once they occur, as this may require painful Kenalog injections or expensive silicone sheets. I have experience operating on patients with different all skin types. All my patients who have surgery on their breasts or abdomens use inexpensive brown 3M micropore surgical tape on their scars for periods of 6-12 months, leaving it on for 2 weeks at a time. It is showerproof so it is no trouble at all. I also use internal stitches that last for 180 days. The stitches on the inside and the tape on the outside ensure tension free closure of the wounds. Support garments are also helpful in supporting the wounds during the healing process.I hope this information is useful and gives you some reassurance.
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November 10, 2022
Answer: Surgery Most of us have operated on all 6 types of skin color so you should not be a problem. Do let your surgeon know if anyone in your family makes keloids or hypertrophic scars.
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November 10, 2022
Answer: Surgery Most of us have operated on all 6 types of skin color so you should not be a problem. Do let your surgeon know if anyone in your family makes keloids or hypertrophic scars.
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