Shoulder Replacement Surgery Scar

Shoulder Replacement Surgery and Scar Management

A shoulder replacement surgery (shoulder arthroplasty) is an invasive procedure designed to relieve the patient of shoulder pain and reduced motion caused by conditions affecting the shoulder joint. Although shoulder replacements aren’t as common as hip or knee replacements, more and more patients are opting to undergo this procedure as new, more effective techniques have developed.

As with any major orthopedic surgery, a patient can expect downtime to recover and some degree of scarring from the incision. For many patients, post-operative scarring can lead to hypertrophic and keloidal scar types. These scar types are considered abnormal and can cause pain and discomfort. However, there are steps you can take to reduce scarring after your surgery, and medical-grade products are easy to obtain.

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Post-operative care and scar therapy

After your shoulder replacement surgery, you will need to take some time to recover. You will likely remain in the hospital for up to three days after your procedure. Surgeons generally prescribe pain medication to help their patients endure post-operative swelling and soreness. Physical therapy is a likely option to help you regain mobility in your shoulder. Scarring will result at the incision site which could be measure roughly six inches in length (The surgeon makes an incision approximately 6 inches long, starting at the top and front of the shoulder and curving along the deltoid muscle. The surgeon then cuts through deeper tissue, including one of the rotator cuff tendons to enter the shoulder joint). If you are predisposed to abnormal scar types, you may need some extra help to reduce the appearance and discoloration of your scar.

Through the mechanisms of dermal hydration and collagen regulation, silicone helps promote an ideal environment (homeostasis) for your scars to heal. Medical-grade silicone sheeting and sticks are the first line of defense you should consider to help your scars fade quickly. Silicone for scars is the only clinically-proven topical solution to scar therapy that is recommended by surgeons and dermatologists around the world. Ask your physician today which silicone option is best for your post-operative scars.

Caring for Your Incision

You will have stitches running along your wound on the front of your shoulder. These will be removed one week after your surgery, at your first follow-up appointment. Call your surgeon immediately if your incision swells, drains, becomes red or painful, or if you develop a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before leaving the hospital, your incision will be covered with a dry bandage. Please do not get the incision wet or dirty. The dressing can be changed daily and it is not uncommon to have a small amount of blood on the dressing. Do not shower or go in the bath until you return for your follow-up appointment. The incision has not healed yet and getting the incision wet puts the shoulder at risk of infection. After the stitches are removed and if the doctor allows you to, you can take a shower and let the water run over the wound. Do not go into a tub or Jacuzzi to soak the wound. Pat the wound dry after you finish showering.

10 common questions about Shoulder Replacement Surgery Scar

1How long does it take to heal from shoulder replacement surgery?

Six Weeks After Surgery Many times, it takes from three to six months for the shoulder to heal. Regaining full strength and range of motion can take up to a year.

2Are shoulder replacements successful?

Total shoulder replacement is a very successful operation and the 10 year survival rate is up to 90 percent. ... The operation may have some complications, although they are very rare. Complications may include infection, bleeding, shoulder instability, tearing of the rotator cuff, fracture and loosening of the prosthesis.

3Is shoulder replacement more painful than knee replacement?

Although shoulder joint replacement is less common than knee or hip replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. ... Over the years, shoulder joint replacement has come to be used for many other painful conditions of the shoulder, such as different forms of arthritis.

4Is a total shoulder replacement painful?

Shoulder replacement surgery is very successful for pain relief. Most patients are very satisfied with the degree of pain relief. However, these shoulder replacements are not perfect and may ache a little when the weather changes or if you are too active.

5What happens when a shoulder replacement wears out?

Shoulder implants are used to replace the humeral head of the upper arm bone, or after the resurfacing of the glenoid of the shoulder socket. ... Shoulder implant failure can occur due to wearing and potential loosening. This happens as a result of bone erosion, bone loss, or a reduction of bone size.

6How long should you sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?

You can use this as often as you would like for as long as you would like. The water must be changed every 40-60 minutes but, many patients find it's easier to fall asleep with the cuff on their shoulder

7Is a shoulder replacement major surgery?

The surgery involves making an incision (cut) at the front of the shoulder. The head of the humerus (arm bone) and the glenoid (socket) are replaced with artificial components to replace the worn cartilage.

8How dangerous is shoulder surgery?

Serious complications, such as shoulder-joint infection, occur in fewer than 1.9% of patients. Major medical complications, such as heart attack or stroke, occur even less frequently. (Of course, chronic illnesses may increase the potential for complications.) Every surgical procedure has some risks and benefits.

9Can I shower after shoulder surgery?

If the rotator cuff repair was done arthroscopically, you can take a shower 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Remove the sling, and leave your arm by your side. ... If you had open surgery, do not shower until you see your doctor and he or she okays it. You can wash the incisions with regular soap and water.

10What is the average age for a shoulder replacement?

In this study, researchers conducted a retrospective review of 61 patients who underwent a total shoulder replacement. The average age at the time of surgery was 48.9 years (ages 25 to 55), of which most of the shoulder damage (80.3 percent) was caused by osteoarthritis.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Scar

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