Getting gastric surgery is one of the best ways to start feeling and looking the way you want to in your life. Gastric sleeve surgery, when done by a professional, is relatively safe and the results can start fast — not to mention they can last for the rest of your life.
Of course, that means understanding the proper lifestyle changes and caring for yourself during recovery. So, in this article, let’s talk about gastric sleeve incisions and what you should know about them.
Gastric Sleeve Incisions — Overview
Every surgical procedure has a recovery time and healing process. With a gastric sleeve procedure, there are different types of incisions that the surgeon may select. So let’s talk about what gastric sleeve gastrectomy is in the first place.
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
When you undergo gastric sleeve in Puerto Vallarta, the surgeon will remove a portion of your stomach. What remains will be a much smaller stomach or pouch. This is also called the sleeve due to its shape.
This helps you eat less and still feel fulfilled. Ultimately you’re going to eat much fewer calories over your lifetime. And when it comes to weight loss, the first rule is to consume less than you burn.
Now let’s talk about the different types of incisions for gastric sleeve surgery:
Gastric Sleeve Incision Types
There are three primary types of incisions for gastric sleeve operations. Each one has a unique use case and benefit. Let’s talk about each of the three:
Open Incision
A gastric sleeve that has an open incision is the most traditional way. A line will be cut along your abdomen vertically. This allows the surgeon to access your stomach.
The benefits of these types of sleeve gastrectomy incisions is that the surgeon will be able to perform the surgery much easier. The open incision is not used as often anymore because of the larger scar that leaves behind.
However, if further intervention is needed, the surgeon may elect this incision type. Some of the downsides for open incisions include a longer hospital stay, wound complications, and potentially hernias.
Laparoscopic Incision
The laparoscopic incision involves five or six smaller incisions throughout the abdomen. The incisions are around 10 millimeters. These permit the surgeon to place surgical tools, including a camera, to perform the procedure with minimal invasion.
Some of the benefits of this surgery are that there are fewer complications, fewer days in the hospital, and a lower mortality rate.
Single Incision
The single incision, also called the single incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SILSG), still uses the laparoscopic approach. However, instead of five incisions, there’s only one small incision.
This is the least invasive type of surgery for this weight loss approach. It offers fewer scars and aesthetic downsides. However, because there is less access for the surgeon, the chance for a hernia is increased. That is the largest downside of this type of incision.
Gastric Sleeve Incisions — Healing
Any type of surgery requires some additional care if there’s an incision. Your first priority after your surgery is to avoid infections at the incision site itself. There may be different ways to manage this risk.
The first option is always talking with your surgeon or doctor. They will give you the best guidance. But in general, there are some principles to follow.
You can use preventative antibiotics, lower your blood sugar, keep the wound clean, and avoid inflammatory foods. If you do this, your wound will heal faster with fewer complications.
Gastric Sleeve Incision Scars
When it comes to reducing scars, the same suggestions as above apply. Keep the wound clean and dry. Also avoid touching the incision site.
You can ask your doctor for moisturizers that help heal the scar and keep the skin healthy. You should also avoid direct sun exposure in order to minimize the appearance of scars afterwards.
Conclusion – Gastrectomy in Puerto Vallarta
Knowing which sleeve surgery incisions are best for your gastrectomy really comes down to your individual needs and circumstances. Talking with your surgeon is the best place to start.
They’ll help you understand your body type and correct incisions for your weight loss goals. This popular surgery is an excellent way to start living the life that you want. Reach out to ALO Bariatrics today. Determine your options and outlook for this transformative procedure.
