Do gastric bypass scars look noticeable after surgery?
Most people who have gastric bypass surgery today will only have small scars because the procedure is most often done laparoscopically. These scars are usually from the small gastric bypass incisions the surgeon creates on your abdominal area to access your stomach. The number, size, and appearance can be different for each person.
Modern bariatric surgery focuses on smaller incisions when possible. That means many patients see less visible scarring than they expect, though some level of scarring is still normal.
What Do Gastric Bypass Scars Usually Look Like?
The appearance of your gastric bypass scars will depend on the way your surgery is performed.
Laparoscopic Scars vs. Open Scars
Minimally Invasive (laparoscopic) Surgery
- Often involves several small incisions (approximately 5 or 6)
- Scars may look like small dots or short lines
- Incisions are placed in specific spots on your abdomen so the surgeon can safely access the necessary areas of the stomach.
Open Surgery
- Usually involves one larger incision
- Often placed along the midline of the abdomen
- Leaves a more noticeable scar compared to laparoscopic surgery
Most gastric bypass procedures today are done laparoscopically, but open surgery may still be necessary for certain patients depending on their circumstances.
Where Are Gastric Bypass Incisions Usually Placed?
The placement of gastric bypass incisions normally depends on your anatomy, if you have had any prior surgeries, and your surgeon’s technique. The most common areas for gastric bypass incisions to be placed include:
- The upper and middle abdomen
- Near your belly button
- Spaced out to allow surgical tools to move safely
How Many Incisions Are Normally Used For Gastric Bypass?
Many laparoscopic bariatric surgeries use around 5 or 6 small incisions, but some patients may have fewer or slightly more incisions. The number of incisions can vary between patients due to the following:
- The surgeon’s technique
- The anatomy of the patient
- Previous history of abdominal surgery
- The complexity of the surgery
Does Open Gastric Bypass Surgery Leave A Different Scar Pattern?
Yes. Open surgery uses one larger incision instead of several small ones. This creates a different scar pattern and is usually more noticeable.
What Healed Gastric Bypass Scars May Look Like Over Time
Your gastric bypass scars will change as your body heals. At first, it is normal for your scars to be very noticeable. Over the next several months to a year, your body will gradually remodel the scar tissue, which means the tissue will soften, become flatter, and blend more with your surrounding skin.
Early Healing
During the first few weeks after surgery, your scars may look pink, red, or darker than your normal skin tone. They may feel slightly raised or firm and look and feel noticeable. This is a normal part of the body’s healing process.
Scar Remodeling
Over the next several months, your scars should begin to soften and flatten. They will begin to fade in color and become less visibly noticeable.
Scar visibility can be different for everyone, and some people may just have very faint marks where the incisions were created, but others may have scars that are darker or thicker.
What Affects How Noticeable Scars Become?
Everyone’s skin is different, so they can heal a little differently or be a bit more prone to scarring. Some of the things that can influence how noticeable gastric bypass scars will be include:
- Your skin type and skin tone
- Genetics
- Age
- Sun exposure
- Incision care
Many times, gastric bypass scars will gradually blend into the natural lines of the abdomen and become much less noticeable.
How To Care For Post-Op Gastric Bypass Incisions
The way you take care of your post-op gastric bypass incisions can impact how well they heal and affect the degree of scarring you are left with.
Right after your surgery, you will be given aftercare instructions that provide you with details on what you need to do to help your incisions heal properly and without complications. Your instructions will be tailored to you and the type of surgery you had. Some of the most common directives included in aftercare instructions include:
- Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon very closely.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry as directed.
- Avoid scratching or picking at scabs, surgical glue, or the adhesive strips.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable to prevent rubbing or irritation.
- Eat a healthy diet and prioritize protein to give your body what it needs to repair your skin.
- Get plenty of sleep and stay well hydrated.
- Get the okay from your surgeon before using scar gels or creams.
- Avoid touching the incision areas so you do not disturb the healing tissue or introduce bacteria into them.
When Can I Start Using Scar Treatments?
Many patients can begin using scar creams, gels, or silicone treatments somewhere between two and four weeks after their surgery. It is very important that the incision be healed enough that it is completely closed and the scab has fallen off before beginning any type of scar-mitigating treatment.
Starting too early or using the wrong product may slow down your healing process or irritate the skin. Your surgeon can help guide you on when it is safe to begin and what options would be best for your incisions and your skin type. Some of the most common things used to lessen the visibility of healed gastric bypass scars include:
- Scar creams
- Silicone sheets or gels
- Sunscreen
- Special massage techniques with essential oils.
- Compression dressings
When Gastric Bypass Incisions May Need Medical Attention
Most gastric bypass incisions will heal without any problems, but it is important to know the signs that indicate things are not going as they should. You need to know what is normal and the red flags you need to watch for.
Normal Signs of Healing Include:
- Mild redness
- Light swelling
- Slight discomfort
- Clear or light drainage
Signs to Call Your Surgeon Include:
- Worsening redness or warmth
- Thick, cloudy, or bad-smelling drainage
- Fever
- Increasing pain instead of improvement
- An incision separation
If something feels off, it is always safer to check with your surgeon or medical team just in case.
Where Can I Learn More About Gastric Bypass In Georgia?
The Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute in Alpharetta, Ga., offers surgical bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass, to help treat obesity.
Our board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Michael Williams, MD, FACS, FASMBS, and Dr. Brendon Curtis, MD, FACS, FASMBS, have over 30 years of combined experience in surgical weight loss procedures and are experts in their fields.
Our team of qualified bariatric specialists offers laparoscopic weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. They use advanced techniques, skills, and precision to help minimize visible scarring whenever possible.
To learn more about gastric bypass surgery in Atlanta, set up your consultation today.
FAQs
Are Healed Gastric Bypass Scars Permanent?
Yes. Scars are usually permanent, but they often fade and become less noticeable after a few years.
Do Gastric Bypass Incisions Look Different from Sleeve Surgery Incisions?
They can look very similar since both procedures are done using laparoscopy, but they may differ slightly in location and number.
Can You Reduce the Appearance of Gastric Bypass Scars?
Using certain topical treatments right after the incisions have healed may help improve how the scars look. After 12 months, if you are concerned about their appearance, there are several cosmetic treatments available today that can help reduce or eliminate visible scarring.
Do Post-Op Gastric Bypass Incisions Leave the Same Scars for Everyone?
No. Post-op gastric bypass incisions can heal differently for everyone. Many patients may have similar incision patterns, but the way your healed gastric bypass scars will look after a year will depend on your skin type, genetics, and how your body heals. Some people may have faint, barely noticeable marks, while others may develop darker or slightly thicker scars.
