From the article: Are surgeries done through small incisions better?
The push for minimally invasive surgery also means that the size of incisions to perform surgical procedures is getting smaller -- and some surgeons worry that the quality may be sacrificed in a quest for small incisions. Most people agree that incision size should not be the most important aspect of surgery, but should it matter at all? Do you care about the size of your surgical scar? Do You Care?
Does scar size matter?
- Although I would prefer a smaller scar, size doesn't matter as much as the surgeon having an adequate view of and access to the area of concern.
- —wendy53
Is It Really Important?
- Not really. Mine is 7" long. The smaller scar might mean more mobility early on when youre doing PT, but I don't think it matters.
- —Guest Tim
No big deal
- I have a lovely scar going down my knee and I don't mind it a bit. Great conversation starter and get some sympathy as well.
- —Guest Karen
small is better.... if.
- of course small is better... if it does not compromise long term outcomes. Large is merely a surgery convenience to the doctor otherwise.
- —Guest jnudan
Thickness depends
- Your surgeon's technique and skill will make some difference in how thick your scar will be. However, you will make some of the difference. Some people just heal with nicer scars than others. Some people will develop keloids.
- —Guest Jo E
not going into hiding
- I just went through this with a female surgeon doing my hip surgery who thought I was being overly concerned. I've danced all my life, don't need to wear a swim suit with a skirt and didn't need a thick scar. Length isn't the issue, but bulky, I don't want it. And it's NOT being vain.
- —truffle51
Scars heal
- Over time scars heal. I was advised for both knee and hand surgery to massage and moisturise the scars to limit scar tissue and scar appearance. My knee scars took slightly longer to heal, but smaller isn't always better depending on the problem. For me I'd prefer to worry about fixing the problem and getting back to good health rather than what a scar looks like.
- —Guest Scars Heal
Badge of Courage
- I have had a number of procedures on my knee. Consequently, it looks pretty beat up. My only concern through all of them was proper healing without infection. The scars eventually fade and become difficult to detect. I look at them as badges of courage. I would rather have a large scar from a procedure that was done efficiently and well than a small scar from a procedure that needs to be redone.
- —Guest Chuck Ponyik
Scar Thickness, Not Length
- As a woman having knee surgery, the length my scar was not as important tom me as the thickness of the scar. My surgeon promised to stitch under the skin so the scar would not be a thick, ugly one..
- —Guest Ali
AM I Vain?
- Are you kidding? With all the vanity products out there, who wants an ugly scar! I want a small incision!
- —Guest vain I guess
