Published on April 2025
10 Steps to Exceptional Scar Healing
The Raggio MD Difference
Have you ever wondered why the incisions after facial plastic surgery at Raggio MD often heal so beautifully? It’s not magic – it’s a careful plan and a promise from Dr. Raggio himself. We believe that every step, from before your surgery to months after, plays a big part in how well you heal and how your skin looks. Here’s a peek into our approach:
1. Getting Your Body Ready to Heal
Just like a plant needs good soil to grow strong, your body needs to be in great shape to heal well. We’ll discuss:
- Your Health: Make sure any health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes are well-controlled.
- Eating Right: Foods with lots of protein to help your skin repair and less salty food to reduce swelling.
- Helpful Extras: Sometimes, we recommend vitamins, minerals, or natural helpers like arnica and bromelain that some people find helpful for healing and bruising.
2. Smart Incision Design
Where we make the small cuts and how we make them matters a lot. Dr. Raggio carefully plans:
- Hidden Spots: Placing incisions in natural creases of your face or along your hairline so they are less noticeable.
- Gentle Cuts: Making precise, angled cuts (called bevels) around hair so that hair can grow back through the incision line, making it even harder to see.
3. Delicate Surgery for Less Swelling
The way the surgery is done also helps with healing. For procedures like a facelift, Dr. Raggio uses advanced methods, such as the preservation extended deep plane approach. This means less pulling and tension on your skin, which leads to:
- Less Bruising and Swelling: Your body doesn’t have to work as hard to heal.
- Better Healing: Less tension means incisions can close more easily and look better.
4. Gentle Sedation for Less Bleeding
The type of sleep medicine (anesthesia) we use is special. We use a deep IV sedation without a breathing tube or gas. This can mean:
- Less Bleeding During Surgery: Less blood loss means less swelling and less “ouch” feeling after surgery.
- Happier Healing: Less swelling and inflammation help your incisions heal more smoothly.
5. Careful Closing – A Promise from Dr. Raggio
How we stitch your skin back together is very important. Dr. Raggio chooses:
- Kind Stitches: Using special fine threads like Nylon or Prolene that are less likely to cause your skin to get irritated.
- Strong Layers: Stitching in multiple layers under the skin to give the best support.
- Dr. Raggio’s Promise: “This is my promise to you; I personally close every single incision. No assistants, fellows, or trainees will do it. Your healing is in my hands, from start to finish.”
6. Super-Powered Healing with PRF
We use something called Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) . These are special cells from your own blood that we gently inject into the incisions. PRF is like a natural boost for healing because it:
- Helps Your Body Repair: It’s full of good cells that tells your skin to heal faster and better.
- May Reduce Scarring: It can help your scars look even smoother.
7. Gentle Care Right After Surgery
Taking care of your incisions right away is key. We’ll give you clear instructions on:
- Keeping it Clean: Gentle cleansers to keep the area healthy.
- Soothing Ointments: Special creams to help with healing and prevent infection.
8. Supercharged Healing with Oxygen
Sometimes, we recommend Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) before and after surgery. This involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber and can:
- Speed Up Healing: More oxygen helps your tissues repair faster.
- Reduce Swelling and Bruising: It can help your body recover more quickly.
9. Medical-Grade Scar Care
Once your initial healing is done, we offer professional products from our Raggio MD skincare line, like silicone scar gel. These are medical-grade and FDA-regulated to:
- Soften and Flatten Scars: Making scars less noticeable.
- Reduce Redness: Helping scars blend in with your natural skin tone.
10. The Finishing Touch: CO2 Laser
Around 2-3 months after surgery, we may recommend CO2 laser treatments for your scars. This advanced technology can:
- Smooth Texture: Making the scar feel softer and more even.
- Improve Appearance: Reducing redness and making the scar less visible over time.
