People who are thinking about having gastric sleeve surgery often worry about recovery, and many ask, “Will my gastric sleeve incisions leave large scars?” Gastric sleeve scars are normally very small because the surgery is performed laparoscopically.
Today, we will look at how many incisions are typically used, what they may look like after surgery, as they heal, and when you should be evaluated by your surgeon.
How Many Incisions Are Used During Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Most patients will only need a handful of small incisions created during their surgery. Most of the time, there are about four or five small cuts made on their abdomen, and each one is normally less than ½ inch and narrow rather than long or deep.
The exact placement depends on your body, any previous surgical scars, and how your surgeon performs the procedure.
Each incision has a specific use during the surgery.
- One is used to insert a camera so the surgeon can see inside.
- The others are used for surgical instruments to complete the operation.
- The incisions are put in specific places to allow the surgeon to have enough room to work carefully with the different tools.
Are Gastric Sleeve Incisions Large?
Not normally. Instead of one large, long incision, the surgeon makes several smaller incisions in the patient’s abdomen.
These openings are used to insert a small camera and surgical tools to perform the procedure without having to make a bigger incision.
Where Are Gastric Sleeve Incisions Usually Made?
Gastric sleeve incisions are usually made in areas that are spread across the upper and middle parts of the person’s abdomen. They are not all in one spot.
One incision is usually made near the patient’s navel for the camera, and others are created in areas of the upper abdomen for the other necessary tools. The exact placement of your incisions can vary depending on your body shape, any previous scars, and the technique your surgeon chooses to use.
What Incisions Look Like Right After Surgery
After surgery, your incision sites may look more noticeable than you expect, but this is normal.
You will most likely see small cuts in a few locations of your abdomen that feel tender and look slightly swollen.
These cuts usually appear as:
- Short lines or small cut marks
- Lines with pink or light redness around the edges
- Short cuts with mild swelling or bruising in the surrounding skin
- The areas may be sensitive when touched or when moved.
These are part of the normal healing process and usually start to improve during the first several days.
Why You Might Not Be Able To See Your Incisions Right Away
Right after your procedure, your incisions are usually covered to protect them, so you most likely will not be able to see them.
You may notice:
- A layer of clear surgical glue may be applied over the skin.
- Thin adhesive strips may be placed across the incisions.
- Small dressings or bandages may cover the whole area.
These should stay in place until your surgeon tells you it is safe to remove them.
Normal Gastric Sleeve Incision Healing
Slight Discomfort
As your skin begins to be repaired by your body, you may notice:
- Slight redness around the incision edges
- Tightness or mild soreness in these areas
- Itching as the skin begins to repair
- A small amount of firmness beneath the skin
These are considered normal and expected and usually improve as your healing progresses.
Surface Healing Timeline
The surface layer of skin normally heals faster than the deeper layers underneath.
- The sensitivity in these areas should gradually lessen over time.
- Most incisions begin to seal up within the first three weeks.
- The scabs or surgical glue will usually come off naturally.
The speed of your recovery will depend on how healthy you are, your activity level, and how well you follow your aftercare instructions. Learn more during your consultation.
How Your Scars May Change
Even though your incisions are small, you should still expect some scarring.
- Your scars may look very pink, red, or darker than your natural skin tone for the first several months.
- The color will normally fade and become lighter to blend in more with your normal skin tone.
- The scars will usually flatten and soften after several months.
The way your scars look once they are healed will depend on your skin type, genetics, and how well you take care of your incisions.
What Can Affect How Your Incisions Heal?
Healing can look different for everyone, and some patients recover very fast, while others take a little longer. Some of the things that can affect how fast you can return to your normal routine include:
The Surgical Technique Used
- Some surgeons use a rare technique that uses a single incision, but most use the standard of between 4 and 6 incisions.
Your Everyday Habits
Some everyday habits can interfere with healing or cause irritation at the incision sites.
- Smoking can slow down healing by reducing the blood flow to the areas.
- Tight clothing may rub against the area and cause irritation to the incisions.
- Not taking proper care of your incisions or keeping them free from dirt and dry can increase infection risk.
Physical Activity
Trying to do too much too soon can slow down the healing process.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects until cleared by your surgeon.
- Be careful with movements that strain your abdomen.
- Follow all activity guidelines given to you after surgery.
Your Health
The better health you are in, the faster and smoother your healing process is likely to be. You can help your body by giving it what it needs to perform the healing process.
- Getting an adequate amount of protein helps your body repair tissue faster and more effectively.
- Staying properly hydrated and getting enough sleep will help your body heal.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes can cause the healing process to take longer.
When To Contact Your Surgeon
Normally, gastric sleeve incisions begin healing on their own without needing a lot of extra care, but it is important to watch for signs that everything is not going as it should.
Redness and Swelling that Worsens
It is normal to have some mild redness and swelling at first, but this should gradually improve on its own. If it begins to get worse, you should get checked out.
Be aware of:
- Redness that spreads or becomes darker.
- Swelling that increases instead of improving.
- Drainage that looks thick or unusual.
Possible Signs of Infection
Some symptoms can indicate signs of infection:
- Chills or fever.
- Pain that gets progressively worse instead of better.
- A strong or foul odor from the incision area.
Changes in the appearance of the incision
Keep an eye on the appearance of your incisions and watch for signs like:
- The wound begins to open up.
- You have bleeding that does not stop.
- Anything that appears out of the ordinary or you are worried about.
If something does not look or feel right, it is best to contact your surgeon rather than wait.
Does Everyone Have Scars After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Yes, usually everyone can expect some level of scarring after gastric sleeve surgery. The good news is that because the incisions used for the surgery are very small, the resulting scars are also small.
- Most people end up with several very small marks instead of one large scar.
- These scars may look like small dots or tiny lines at first.
- Gradually, the scars should flatten and fade so they are much less noticeable.
- The color usually lightens enough to blend better with your natural skin tone.
Where Can I Get Help With Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Newvue Weight Loss offers gastric sleeve surgery in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding areas. Choosing a skilled surgeon makes a big difference in your results and your recovery.
Dr. Brian Sung, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with years of experience and thousands of procedures performed. His surgical expertise, focus on patient safety, and ongoing guidance throughout their weight loss journey have earned him a favorable reputation for setting his patients up for success.
If you are thinking about undergoing gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss, contact Newvue Weight Loss and set up a consultation to learn more.
FAQs
How Long Does It Usually Take for Incisions to Heal?
Gastric sleeve incision healing usually takes about three months total. The surface layer normally heals within a few weeks, but the full healing process usually takes several months.
Recovery time depends on your health and how well you follow your post-surgery instructions.
Is It Normal to Have Redness Around the Gastric Sleeve Incision?
Yes, it is normal to have some mild redness right after your surgery. If the redness spreads, becomes more intense, or you also have swelling, pain, or drainage, you should see your doctor to make sure everything is going as planned.
When Is It Safe to Shower with My Incisions After Surgery?
Many people can shower within a few days, but your surgeon will give you specific timing. You will need to avoid exposing your incisions to soaking in water, such as baths or pools, until the incisions are fully healed.
What Do I Need to Avoid During Healing?
Avoid anything that puts pressure on your abdomen and can cause your incision to open or become irritated.
This may include avoiding:
- Heavy lifting.
- Tight clothing.
- Too much movement too soon.
- Do not pick your scabs.
- Do not remove your dressings until you are cleared to do so.
