By: Andrew Goldberg, MD

I’ve heard some comments recently about a new nanotechnology sealant that some people are saying might prevent surgical scarring completely. The claims are a little overblown and this technology is several years from even being testable, but I’m sure that plenty of patients considering plastic surgery in Virginia still wonder whether they can really expect totally scar-free surgery anytime soon.

The nano-sealant is an exciting idea and there are already some products on the market that seal off blood flow in similar ways, but the fact is that surgeons like me are already performing a lot of “scarless” surgeries without the help of either advancement.

What We CAN Do to Prevent Scarring

You are not going to find a magical solution for guaranteed “scarless” now or even in 10 years, but fortunately a good surgeon can help you significantly minimize scarring. Realistically, here are the two biggest things you and your surgeon can do to avoid scarring:

• Scale the surgery down by limiting incisions in the first place and hiding them in unnoticeable areas.
  What this means: I might recommend a mini face lift or tummy tuck instead of the full version, or place breast implants through an incision in the armpit instead of on the breast itself for a “virtually scarless” breast augmentation in Virginia.
• Help healing by taking steps before, during, and after surgery to encourage your body to heal faster.
  What this means: New technologies can help limit surgical time, but there’s no technological replacement for a surgeon who knows how to avoid unnecessary tissue damage – and who makes sure you understand how to take care of your incisions properly after surgery.

The Bottom Line: I’ll be interested to see where this nanotechnology goes in the next few years, but if you’re worried about scarring, I would say to make sure you choose a doctor who is highly qualified, and talk through things with him or her thoroughly. Not all surgeries can be “scarless,” but minimizing scars should be a central focus on your doctor’s mind.