My scar, my story
Celebrating your body includes accepting your so-called ‘flaws’. Here, three women share their scar stories and journey to self-acceptance.
Three women share their scar stories and journey to self-acceptance
When I fell at the age of five, knocking my forehead on the edge of a brick, I got six stitches and a 2cm-long scar. The scar never bothered me. But this year, after a surgery, I have a 10cm jagged line along my collarbone, which feels so obvious and arouses questions that I don’t always want to go into.
Love them or hate them, your scars won’t go away, but that’s not to say you can’t diminish their appearance to the point that they’re almost invisible. For real experiences, pro advice and eective products, read on.
a ‘ PIMPLE’ on My CHEEK Was SKIN cancer I was living in the UK when I got a ‘pimple’ on my cheek that wouldn’t stop bleeding. A cancer specialist and the NHS (National Health Service in the UK) diagnosed it as irreparable sun damage. Back in SA, I had a biopsy that confirmed it was basal cell carcinoma, which is, luckily, a slow-moving cancer. After the surgery to remove it, I was shocked by the size of the circular cut (about 2cm in radius) and the 23 stitches needed. Strangers are curious about my scar and I’m happy to talk about it, as it raises awareness. I was lucky the cancer was slow-moving and never reached my nose or eyes, as this would have entailed more reconstructive surgery. Two years later and the scar is barely noticeable. – MELANIE RUSSELL, 45, BUSINESS OWNER My c- section scar Was Worth a HEALTHY Baby My labour lasted two days and the doctors had tried everything to get my daughter out. Finally, they decided on an emergency caesarean. After the surgery, I wore a surgical plaster on the wound for six weeks before it was removed. I then applied Micropore plasters (tape that minimises thick scars from forming) on the wound for a month (the doctor suggested a year) and the scar is now so light you wouldn’t even know it was there. Having this healthy little girl was my priority, no matter what my body had to go through. – JAMIE PILLAY, 30, ADVERTISING LIAISON I only LET a Plastic SURGEON FIX THE DOG BITE on My Face Last year, while on a film set, a Husky nipped my cheek, leaving me with scratch-like cuts from my cheekbone to my jawline. A plastic surgeon sewed it up and recommended that I apply a topical treatment called Scar Science, along with Micropore plasters daily for four months – which is great because it matches itself to the colour of your skin. Today, my scar is barely visible, and the cost of a plastic surgeon and the scar gel was well worth it. – razana omar, 32, MAKEUP ARTIST